Impact of Cigarette filters Leachates on Benthic Foraminifera: Toxicity and Shell Degradation
SCigarette butts are the most common form of litter in the world and their environmental impact is related to both persistence and potential toxic effects for chemical composition. The objective of this study was to assess the acute toxicity of human-smoked cigarette butts leachate on 3 cultured genera of benthic foraminifera.
F. Caridi et al., Marine Environmental Reserach, 162, 105150 (2020)
|
This study demonstrates that leachates from cigarette filters exhibit significant acute toxicity to benthic foraminifera, with calcareous species showing greater vulnerability than agglutinated ones. Exposure to concentrations of 4 cigarette butts/L or higher triggered shell decalcification and widespread mortality in calcareous foraminifera, while agglutinated species displayed higher resistance. The toxic effects appear to stem from both pH reduction and chemical compounds like nicotine, leading to physiological disruption and cell death. These findings highlight the environmental hazards posed by cigarette butt pollution in marine ecosystems, particularly for calcifying organisms.
|
Retrieve Articles
Cigarette butts, a threat for marine environments: Lessons from benthic foraminifera (Protista) |
Ultima modifica il Lunedì, 10 Febbraio 2025 16:34
