The ecological impacts of discarded cigarette butts

Dannielle S Green; Andrew D W Tongue; Bas Boots

doi:10.1016/j.tree.2021.10.001

The ecological impacts of discarded cigarette butts

Trends Ecol Evol. 2022 Feb;37(2):183-192. doi: 10.1016/j.tree.2021.10.001. Epub 2021 Oct 21.

Authors

Dannielle S Green¹, Andrew D W Tongue², Bas Boots²

Affiliations

¹ Applied Ecology Research Group, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge CB1 1PT, UK. Electronic address: dannielle.green@aru.ac.uk.
² Applied Ecology Research Group, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge CB1 1PT, UK.

PMID: 34690005
DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2021.10.001

Abstract

Cigarette butts, one of the most littered items globally, present a unique challenge to ecosystems due to their ubiquity, persistence, and potential for harm. Over 35 studies have examined the toxicity of cigarette butts in biota from aquatic and terrestrial habitats from microbes to mice, but many organisms and habitats have not been tested. Two-thirds of studies are on aquatic organisms, and lethal effects were common. Research on the impacts on terrestrial life is lagging behind. Cigarette butts can affect the growth, behaviour, and reproductive output of individual organisms in all three habitats, but research on wider effects on biodiversity and ecosystem functioning is lacking. Here, we summarise the ecotoxicological concerns and identify important knowledge gaps for future research.

Keywords: applied ecology; cigarette butts; ecotoxicology; litter; microplastic; pollution.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review

MeSH terms

Animals
Aquatic Organisms
Biota
Ecosystem*
Mice
Tobacco Products*