• Mixing PFAS and microplastics increases toxicity, new study claims

Water Pollution Monitoring

Mixing PFAS and microplastics increases toxicity, new study claims

A new study has revealed that perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and PET microplastics are more toxic (to freshwater species, at least) when combined.  

Focusing on water fleas (Daphnia magna), a sentinel species in freshwater ecologies, the study highlights alarming developmental and reproductive impairments. 

In particular, the researchers highlighted the compounding effect of exposure, whereby fleas with historic exposure experienced multiplied impacts. 

Maldevelopment, synergistic toxicity, compounding impacts 

The study demonstrated exposure to PFAS and microplastics mixtures delayed sexual maturity, stunted growth, and reduced fecundity in Daphnia

Approximately 41% of effects were judged to be synergistic, likely stemming from interactions between the negatively-charged microplastics and PFAS that enhanced retained uptake. 

Daphnia with a history of exposure to pollution exhibited reduced resilience to chemical mixtures compared to naïve populations. 

Why PFAS and microplastics uniquely impact freshwater ecosystems 

Both PFAS and microplastics are environmentally persistent and bioaccumulate, wreaking havoc in freshwater contaminated by waste streams.  

PFAS disrupt endocrine functions in freshwater species, impair reproduction, cause developmental abnormalities, weaken immunity, and increase mortality. 

Microplastics, when ingested by microorganisms, block digestive systems and in water, leach endocrine disruptors, like bisphenols, brominated flame retardants and phthalates. 

Regulating mixtures as well as individual pollutants 

The findings of the study underscore the critical need to regulate chemical mixtures rather than simply assessing pollutants in isolation.  

Further, PFAS and microplastics frequently co-occur in natural environments, such that their actual impacts (and therefore, their regulatory priority) are probably underestimated. 

For instance, while they are regulated in drinking water at specific limit, if their synergistic toxicity is ignored, compliant levels may actually be unsafe. 


Digital Edition

AET 28.4 Oct/Nov 2024

November 2024

Gas Detection - Go from lagging to leading: why investment in gas detection makes sense Air Monitoring - Swirl and vortex meters will aid green hydrogen production - Beyond the Stack: Emi...

View all digital editions

Events

Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week

Jan 12 2025 Abu Dhabi, UAE

World Future Energy Summit

Jan 14 2025 Abu Dhabi, UAE

Clean Fuels Conference

Jan 20 2025 San Diego, CA, USA

Carrefour des Gestions Locales de L'eau

Jan 22 2025 Rennes, France

Safety, Health & Wellbeing LIVE

Jan 22 2025 Manchester, UK

View all events