Ecotoxicity of PM10 emissions generated during controlled burning of waste PET

Domestic waste is often burned either as fuel for winter heating or in open areas, simply to get rid of waste. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) represents an important component of plastics usage as well as of plastic waste produced. While most studies attempt to characterize environmental risk of open burning of mixed household waste, present work evaluates chemical and ecotoxicological parameters of particulate matter (PM) produced during controlled burning of PET samples. In the PM10 samples, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon and heavy metal concentrations were measured, ecotoxicity was evaluated using the kinetic Vibrio fischeri bioassay. Both chemical composition and ecotoxicity of the 4 samples showed significant correlation, regardless of the colored or colorless nature of the original PET sample. Antimony was found in considerable concentrations, in the range of 6.93–16.9 mg/kg. PAHs profiles of the samples were very similar, showing the dominance of 4-and 5-ring PAHs, including carcinogenic benzo(a)pyrene. •Ecotoxicity of PM generated during controlled burning of waste PET was evaluated.•4- and 5-ring PAHs were dominant in the particles.•Particles contained high concentration of antimony.•Colored and colorless PET samples showed similar chemical composition and ecotoxicity.