A screening of metal(loid) content in conventional and compostable plastic polymers: understanding the sources and the connected environmental implications☆
The result's identifiers
Result code in IS VaVaI
<a href="https://www.isvavai.cz/riv?ss=detail&h=RIV%2F00216305%3A26210%2F26%3A0201432" target="_blank" >RIV/00216305:26210/26:0201432 - isvavai.cz</a>
Alternative codes found
RIV/00216224:14310/25:00144371
Result on the web
<a href="https://www.webofscience.com/wos/woscc/full-record/WOS:001490027500002" target="_blank" >https://www.webofscience.com/wos/woscc/full-record/WOS:001490027500002</a>
DOI - Digital Object Identifier
<a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2025.126364" target="_blank" >10.1016/j.envpol.2025.126364</a>
Alternative languages
Result language
angličtina
Original language name
A screening of metal(loid) content in conventional and compostable plastic polymers: understanding the sources and the connected environmental implications☆
Original language description
Plastic pollution is a well-known environmental issue, yet the ecotoxicological implications are still underexplored. In this context, attention towards the characterization of chemical additives in plastics and their potential risks to both human health and ecosystems is now increasing. While significant research has been conducted on organic chemicals, data on inorganic additives (e.g., metallic compounds) remain limited. In this study, we analyzed the metal(loid) content in different types of plastics to better understand the presence of inorganic additives in these materials, their distribution across different polymer types, and their potential impacts. We investigated pristine plastic pellets, single-use plastic materials and recycled plastic pellets made from both conventional and compostable polymers. We observed a notable enrichment of metal(loid)s (particularly Ti, Al, and Zn) across a range of plastic types, especially when comparing pre-production pellets with final consumer materials, suggesting that these additives are incorporated during the final stages of production. Samples of polyethylene terephthalate displayed elevated levels of Sb, while compostable plastics exhibited specific trends related to Sn and In: they are abundant in the pellets, since they are used as catalyst in polymer production. This study provides a comprehensive comparison of metal additives in different plastic polymers and across different production phases. It highlights the need for characterizing metal(loid) content in plastic to understand the potential connected risks. Additionally, the findings underscore the role of compostable plastics as potential carriers of metal(loid)s to terrestrial and aquatic environments, raising concerns about their degradation and impact.
Czech name
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Czech description
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Classification
Type
J<sub>imp</sub> - Article in a specialist periodical, which is included in the Web of Science database
CEP classification
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OECD FORD branch
10511 - Environmental sciences (social aspects to be 5.7)
Result continuities
Project
<a href="/en/project/GF23-13617L" target="_blank" >GF23-13617L: Investigating the environmental fate of microplastics and their effects on model organisms through structural and chemical imaging</a><br>
Continuities
P - Projekt vyzkumu a vyvoje financovany z verejnych zdroju (s odkazem do CEP)
Others
Publication year
2025
Confidentiality
S - Úplné a pravdivé údaje o projektu nepodléhají ochraně podle zvláštních právních předpisů
Data specific for result type
Name of the periodical
Environmental Pollution
ISSN
0269-7491
e-ISSN
1873-6424
Volume of the periodical
375
Issue of the periodical within the volume
126364
Country of publishing house
GB - UNITED KINGDOM
Number of pages
10
Pages from-to
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UT code for WoS article
001490027500002
EID of the result in the Scopus database
2-s2.0-105004215028