Researchers at the Carbon Geochemistry Laboratory, part of the EM. Galimov Institute of Geochemistry and Analytical Chemistry at the Vernadsky (GEOKHI) RAS, report that plastic materials capable of breaking down in seawater can bind and accumulate heavy metals. When marine life ingests these plastics, it can suffer from a range of diseases and mutations. The problem is not confined to wildlife; metals can move up the food chain and potentially affect human health. This finding comes from information shared with socialbites.ca by the Russian Ministry of Education and Science.
Olga Kuznetsova from GEOKHI RAS notes that the team observed notable accumulation of lead, molybdenum, and chromium in plastics exposed to seawater. The buildup of toxic metals is linked to the development of malignant illnesses, the emergence of genetic mutations, and developmental disorders in offspring. Kuznetsova also cautions that higher metal concentrations can drive chronic non-communicable diseases and shorten life spans. She emphasizes the need for systematic, multi-plastic and multi-site studies to validate these observations further.
The researchers examined several plastic categories, including biodegradable, non-biological, and naturally aged samples collected from Mediterranean coastal areas. They found the most significant shifts in isotopic composition in biodegradable plastics. Disposable tableware, trash bags, cosmetic sponges, and food packaging frequently utilize these materials.
Results show that plastic particles tend to accumulate metals when they interact with seawater. Notably, plant-based polymers such as corn and potato starch, soy, and cellulose-derived plastics appear to have a greater affinity for metals. Importantly, some plastic products already contain substantial metal content before encountering seawater.
According to Kuznetsova, every metal can be absorbed by plastic. While essential metals like iron, copper, zinc, and molybdenum support various biological processes in plants and animals, toxic metals such as lead, mercury, and cadmium do not serve beneficial roles and pose serious risks. In marine environments, these metals can leach from plastics into seawater, contributing to disease, mutations, and mortality among marine life. Attribution: GEOKHI RAS.