Glitter proves far from fabulous for growth of key aquatic organisms
Glitter proves far from fabulous for growth of key aquatic organisms New Atlas
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The Negative Impact of Glitter on Cyanobacteria Growth
A new study has found that glitter can negatively affect the growth of cyanobacteria, commonly called ‘blue-green algae,’ an important player in aquatic ecosystems and a key component of marine food webs. The researchers say their study highlights the importance of reining in the use of this stealthy microplastic.
Despite its association with fun things – makeup and nail polish, party costumes, greeting cards and holiday decorations – glitter is a problem. Not only is it seemingly impossible to remove once it has stuck to clothing and skin, but its microplastic composition also poses an environmental threat, especially to oceans and waterways.
Typically made of tiny particles of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) coated in aluminum to create a reflective surface, this “plastic in disguise” joins the estimated 8.8 million tons (8 million metric tonnes) of microplastics that make their way into our oceans as they’re too small to be filtered out by wastewater treatment plants.
The Importance of Cyanobacteria in Aquatic Ecosystems
Researchers affiliated with the University of São Paolo studied the effects of glitter on the growth patterns of cyanobacteria, a key player in aquatic ecosystems.
Cyanobacteria, an aquatic bacterial relative that obtains energy via photosynthesis, play a vital role as primary sources of oxygen and fix nitrogen levels in aquatic environments. As a type of phytoplankton, cyanobacteria are also a key component of marine food webs, although they’re prone to forming harmful algal blooms that can disrupt aquatic ecosystems and are toxic to humans and animals.
Experimental Findings
The researchers examined the effects of different concentrations of glitter particles on two bloom-forming strains of cyanobacteria, Microcystis aeruginosa and Nodularia spumigena.
The cyanobacterial strains were cultivated in a medium for 21 days under five concentrations of glitter: zero, 50, 100, 200, and 350 mg of glitter per liter (mg/L) of water. The researchers measured the strains’ cellular growth rates every three days, using spectrophotometry to measure the intensity of light absorbed and transmitted by each sample.
For M. aeruginosa, a growth peak was recorded in the 50 mg/L glitter treatment, with the lowest growth recorded at a concentration of 200 mg/L. In the N. spumigena samples, glitter concentrations above 137.5 mg/L negatively affected cell density from which the cyanobacteria didn’t recover. The change in growth rates for N. spumigena was only seen on the last day of the experiment.
The Environmental Impact and Alternatives
“We found that increasing the amount of glitter raised the biovolume of the cyanobacterial cells and boosted stress to levels that even impaired photosynthesis,” said Mauricio Junior Machado, the study’s lead author. “The toxicity of glitter for microorganisms has hardly been studied at all. Whatever affects cyanobacteria will indirectly affect other organisms in the same environment.”
With our increased knowledge about the environmental impact of microplastics, over the past few years there’s been a push to use eco-friendly glitter alternatives, such as colored rice, salt, sand, or paper. Researchers at Cambridge University even came up with a plant-based glitter that contains no plastic or aluminum.
Importance of Avoiding Microplastic Pollution
The researchers hope their study will further educate people about the importance of avoiding microplastic pollution.
“Glitter is sold for use in festivities, where people spare little thought for the environmental problems it causes,” said Marli de Fátima Fiore, corresponding author of the study. “However, it’s necessary to bear in mind that microplastics contaminate and damage marine and freshwater ecosystems, which are extremely important to our lives, and to think about campaigns to avoid microplastic pollution as much as possible.”
Future Research
The next step for the researchers is to perform the same experiments on other strains of cyanobacteria and to see whether biodegradable glitter poses a similar problem to the environment.
Conclusion
The study highlights the negative impact of glitter on the growth of cyanobacteria, which are crucial for aquatic ecosystems. It emphasizes the need to address microplastic pollution and encourages the use of eco-friendly glitter alternatives. By aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 14: Life Below Water, efforts can be made to protect marine and freshwater ecosystems from the harmful effects of microplastics.
Sources:
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 14: Life Below Water | Target 14.1: By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution | Indicator 14.1.1: Index of coastal eutrophication and floating plastic debris density |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains, and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements | Indicator 15.1.1: Forest area as a proportion of total land area |
| SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production | Target 12.5: By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse | Indicator 12.5.1: National recycling rate, tons of material recycled |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
SDG 14: Life Below Water
The article discusses the negative impact of glitter, a form of microplastic, on aquatic ecosystems and marine food webs. This aligns with SDG 14, which aims to prevent and reduce marine pollution, including marine debris.
SDG 15: Life on Land
The article highlights the environmental threat posed by glitter, a form of microplastic, to terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems. This connects to SDG 15, which focuses on the conservation and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
The article emphasizes the need to reduce microplastic pollution, including glitter, to protect the environment. This relates to SDG 12, which aims to promote responsible consumption and production patterns.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
Target 14.1: By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution
The article highlights the negative impact of glitter, a form of microplastic, on aquatic ecosystems and marine food webs. By reducing the use of glitter and other microplastics, progress can be made towards achieving this target.
Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains, and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements
The article emphasizes the need to protect terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems from the environmental threat posed by glitter and other microplastics. By promoting the conservation and sustainable use of these ecosystems, progress can be made towards achieving this target.
Target 12.5: By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse
The article highlights the importance of reducing microplastic pollution, including glitter, to protect the environment. By promoting waste prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse, progress can be made towards achieving this target.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Indicator 14.1.1: Index of coastal eutrophication and floating plastic debris density
The article discusses the negative impact of glitter, a form of microplastic, on aquatic ecosystems. The density of floating plastic debris can be used as an indicator to measure progress towards reducing marine pollution and achieving Target 14.1.
Indicator 15.1.1: Forest area as a proportion of total land area
The article emphasizes the need to protect terrestrial ecosystems from the environmental threat posed by glitter and other microplastics. The proportion of forest area as a part of the total land area can be used as an indicator to measure progress towards conserving and restoring terrestrial ecosystems and achieving Target 15.1.
Indicator 12.5.1: National recycling rate, tons of material recycled
The article highlights the importance of reducing microplastic pollution, including glitter, through waste prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse. The national recycling rate and the amount of material recycled can be used as indicators to measure progress towards waste reduction and achieving Target 12.5.
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: newatlas.com
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