Metals on microplastics and their environmental consequences in freshwater ecosystems

Abstract

Freshwater environments are highly vulnerable to the entry of microplastics (MPs), due to the large anthropogenic impact they suffer. It is now known that MPs comprise not only the main polymer, but also the additives and the contaminants that can adsorb on their surface from the environment. Among such contaminants are metals, which also enter aquatic environments and can interact with MPs by being adsorbed on their surface. In addition, several metals have been recorded in additives (such as certain pigments) used in plastics. Due to the serious problem implied by the presence and permanence of these pollutants in freshwater environments, it is necessary to evaluate the knowledge we have so far about their occurrence, the interaction between metals and MPs, the main factors that modulate it and the possible effects on the biota that inhabit such environments.