Effect of temperature and sunlight on the leachability potential of BPA and phthalates from plastic litter under marine conditions

This study investigates the leaching potential of several additives embedded in six different plastic types when exposed to extreme simulated marine conditions for 140 days. The findings achieved herein contribute to a better understanding of the impact of macro- and microplastics leaching harmful compounds (bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates) in the marine environment when exposed to harsh climatic conditions. Leachability experiments showed that bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), and BPA were detected in seawater (SW) samples. Furthermore, while analysing 100 mL of SW per each sample, the total leachate concentrations of the identified compounds ranged from 5 μg/L to 123 μg/L, after 140 days of exposing a total of 120 plastic samples (96 samples micro- and 24 macro-plastics) to SW conditions It was observed that the leaching of DEHP was promoted by wave abrasion, high temperature and sunlight, while the leaching of DBP was favoured by wave abrasion. Findings showed that polypropylene (PP) was the most attributable plastic type in the leaching of DBP with an average concentration of 5.3 μg/L, whereas high-density polyethylene (HDPE) was the most responsible plastic-type for the leaching of DEHP, with an average concentration of 123 μg/L. Our results suggest that most of the phthalates and BPA will, ultimately, leach out to the SW environment after a longer period. [Display omitted] •DBP, DEHP and BPA were detected in the seawater (SW) samples; BBP was absent.•Total leachate concentrations in SW samples from T1 ranged from 5 to 123 μg/L.•Wave abrasion, temperature and UV favoured the leaching of DBP and DEHP.•PP was the most attributable plastic in the leaching of DBP, resulting in 5.3 μg/L.•HDPE was the most attributable plastic in the leaching of DEHP, resulting in 123 μg/L.