Toxicity comparison of polylactic acid and polyethylene microplastics co-exposed with methylmercury on Daphnia magna

Abstract

The prevalence of microplastics (MPs) in aquatic ecosystems has become a significant environmental concern due to their persistence and potential toxicity. Although bioplastics, such as polylactic acid (PLA), are promoted as eco-friendly alternatives to conventional plastics, their toxicity remains poorly understood. This study compares the toxicity and pollutant vector roles of polar PLA-derived bio-microplastics (bio-MPs) with apolar low-density polyethylene (LDPE) MPs, both individually and in combination with methylmercury (MeHg), in Daphnia magna. PLA bio-MPs, both alone and in combination with MeHg, significantly reduced survival rates and reproduction while inducing oxidative stress. Additionally, PLA bio-MPs increased Hg accumulation and negatively impacted acetylcholinesterase activity and vitellogenin gene expression compared to LDPE MPs. The findings of this study suggest that PLA bio-MPs, despite being in vivo biodegradable, may pose similar or even greater environmental risks than fossil fuel-based MPs, particularly due to their potential to enhance the bioaccumulation and toxicity of coexisting pollutants.

Keywords: Bioaccumulation; Low-density polyethylene; Methylmercury; Oxidative stress; Polylactic acid.