Additive chemical transfer via plastic marine debris to marine organisms inhabiting the pristine marine environment

Abstract

The role of plastic marine debris as a carrier of hazardous chemicals in the marine environment is an emerging issue. This study focused on expanded polystyrene (EPS, commonly known as Styrofoam) debris, which is a common marine debris item worldwide, and its additive chemical, hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD). To identify the potential of EPS debris for the transfer and dispersion of chemicals to the pristine marine environment, two islands located in the southern part of Korea with very different EPS debris pollution levels (contaminated islands and non-contaminated island) were selected as study sites, and the exposure levels of HBCDs in marine organisms inhabiting each island were assessed and compared. Alongwith HBCDs, a typical sorbed chemical, polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) were analysed for comparison. No difference was observed in PCB levels in organisms such as oyster, limpet, and gastropods between islands, while the HBCD concentration was significantly higher in organisms inhabiting contaminated islands than those inhabiting non-contaminated island (Mann-Whitney, p<0.05). The result of this study indicates that EPS marine debris has a strong potential for source and carrier of plastic additives, HBCDs, in the marine environment.