Proposal of Invader Pontederia crassipes as a Savior of Micro and Macro Size Plastic Pollution

Abstract

This study is the first report evaluating the microplastic (MP) and macroplastics capture potential of Pontederia crassipes. Total of 3691 (508 microplastic and 3183 macroplastic) particles were extracted from the roots of 12 examined specimens. Mean macroplastic abundance in the roots was found as 265±44 macroplastic/specimen. Majority of the extracted macroplastics were fragment in shape, blue in color. Mean microplastic abundance was found as 42±23 MPs/specimen. Majority of the extracted microplastics were fragment in shape, blue in color and less than 500 μm in size. Results of this preliminary study showed that this species have significant ability to adsorb micro and macroplastics by the roots which makes them perfect employees for integrated floating systems.

Keywords

• Microplastic
• Microplastic adsorption
• Macroplastic
• Orontes River
• Pontederia crassipes

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