Characterization and toxicity assessment of industrial microplastics made of Bakelite

Microplastic research has focused mainly on particles made of polymers from ordinary consumer plastic products while industrial plastics has been largely overlooked. However, industrial plastics as Bakelite can be of a great importance due to their extensive use and unknown impact on the environment. Hence the aim of the study was to characterize Bakelite microplastics and to evaluate their toxicity in term of particles and its leachate. According to laser diffraction analysis, the mean number particles size distribution was 7.64 ± 3.48 µm with 1.5·106 particles/mg. The specific surface area was 249 cm2/g indicating low porosity. Bakelite microplastics were introduced into freshwater medium and the toxicity was evaluated. They did not affect specific growth rate and chlorophyll content, but significantly affected the root growth of duckweed. Further investigation showed that Bakelite microplastics do not cause mechanical effect on roots, but the leached chemicals were responsible for increased toxicity.