Phytotoxicity of particulate matter from controlled burning of different plastic waste types

Abstract

According to careful estimations, open burning of plastic waste affects app. 2 billion people worldwide. While human health risks have become more and more obvious, much less information is available on the phytotoxicity of these emissions. In our study phytotoxicity of particulate matter samples generated during controlled combustion of different plastic waste types such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane (PUR), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS) and polyethylene (PE) was evaluated based on peroxidase levels. While different samples showed different concentration-effect relationship patterns, higher concentration(s) caused decreased peroxidase activities in each sample indicating serious damage.

Keywords: Illegal burning; Particulate matter; Peroxidase; Phytotoxicity; Plastic waste.

Fig. 1

Amount of PAHs with different ring numbers in the aqueous extract

Fig. 2

Concentration-effect relationship of PVC emission and POD level. Enzyme activity is given in µmol µg^− 1 min^− 1 L^− 1 unit

Fig. 3

Concentration-effect relationship of PUR emission and POD level. Enzyme activity is given in µmol µg^− 1 min^− 1 L^− 1 unit

Fig. 4

Concentration-effect relationship of PP emission and POD level. Enzyme activity is given in µmol µg^− 1 min^− 1 L^− 1 unit

Fig. 5

Concentration-effect relationship of PS emission and POD level. Enzyme activity is given in µmol µg^− 1 min^− 1 L^− 1 unit

Fig. 6

Concentration-effect relationship of PE emission and POD level. Enzyme activity is given in µmol µg^− 1 min^− 1 L^− 1 unit