Association of heavy metals with plastics used in aquaculture

Abstract

The association of heavy metals with plastics could represent a source of contamination, presenting acute metal exposure to ecosystems. Here, we aimed to evaluate the level of 20 metals on plastics employed in aquaculture areas and their surrounding water. All the selected metals were detected on six different polymers/types of plastics. Despite the difference in sampling sites, there was no significant difference among metal concentrations on plastics. However, some metals showed a significant difference in the surrounding seawater among sites or were not detected. Additionally, the median concentrations of all heavy metals were higher on plastic than in their surrounding water at all sites. Furthermore, multivariate analysis showed that metals accumulate on plastics in a similar pattern among sites but distinct from the surrounding water. This study contributes to understanding the accumulation of metals on plastics used in aquaculture areas.

Keywords: Additives; Aquaculture; Heavy metals; Plastic; Pollution.