Microplastics from cigarette filters : comparative effects on selected terrestrial and aquatic invertebrates

Dolar, Andraž (author), Mušič, Branka (author), Skalar, Tina (author), Marolt, Gregor (author), Drobne, Damjana (author), Sever Škapin, Andrijana (author), Jemec Kokalj, Anita (author)

Cigarette filters comprise plasticised cellulose acetate, a synthetic polymer categorized as bioplastic. They represent a significant source of microplastics (MPs), in particular microfibers, and associated chemicals, yet their impact on organisms, especially soil invertebrates, is not well-studied. This research examines the effects of MPs milled from smoked (SCF-MPs) and unsmoked cigarette filters (UCF-MPs) on terrestrial invertebrates (Porcellio scaber, Tenebrio molitor) and aquatic invertebrates (Daphnia magna, Brachionus calyciflorus). SCF-MPs and UCF-MPs were found to be 9.06 ± 4.1 μm and 12.71 ± 6.82 μm in size, respectively. Both samples contained triacetin and potentially toxic metals, while SCF-MPs also contained nicotine and a larger number of trace organic compounds. While exposure to SCF-MPs or UCF-MPs (up to 1.5 % MPs, w/w in soil) did not affect the survival of either terrestrial invertebrate, several physiological responses were observed. These included changes in immune parameters, energy-related biomarker levels, and altered glutathione S-transferase and acetylcholinesterase activities. Both types of MPs were acutely toxic to aquatic invertebrates, reducing the survival rates of B. calyciflorus (10 mg L$^{−1}$ of either particle after 48h exposure) and D. magna (100 mg L$^{−1}$ of SCF-MPs after 48h exposure). SCF-MPs generally caused more pronounced effects than UCF-MPs. This study highlights the need for effective environmental management to address both smoked and unsmoked cigarette filters.

• Language: English
• Keywords: cigarette butts, cigarette filters, microfibers, crustaceans, insects, rotifers, Daphnia, metals, bioplastic, Rotifera
• Work type: Article
• Typology: 1.01 - Original Scientific Article
• Organization: BF - Biotechnical Faculty; FKKT - Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology
• Publication status: Published
• Publication version: Version of Record
• Year: 2025
• Number of pages: 11 str.
• Numbering: Vol. 374, art. 126199
• PID: 20.500.12556/RUL-168407
• UDC: 592
• ISSN on article: 1873-6424
• DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2025.126199
• COBISS.SI-ID: 232114947
• Publication date in RUL: 11.04.2025

Record is a part of a journal

• Title: Environmental pollution
• Publisher: Elsevier
• ISSN: 1873-6424
• COBISS.SI-ID: 23167749

Licences

• License: CC BY 4.0, Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
• Link: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
• Description: This is the standard Creative Commons license that gives others maximum freedom to do what they want with the work as long as they credit the author.

Secondary language

• Language: Slovenian
• Keywords: cigaretni ogorki, cigaretni filtri, mikrovlakna, raki, žuželke, kotačniki