Nanoplastic influence on the siliceous sponge Lubomirskia baicalensis

Abstract

Effects of plastic nanoparticles on the Baikal siliceous sponge Lubomirskia baicalensis (Pallas, 1773), including the whole organism and primmorphs, were studied. A vital fluorescence dye was applied to visualize the spicules formed during the experiment. Polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, and poly(methyl methacrylate) nanoparticles were found to be able to penetrate into the sponge body and cause toxic effects (decreased spicule production) starting from concentrations of 0.005-0.01 mg/L. This is a relatively high concentration, unthinkable in normal water bodies. On the other hand, the duration of the experiment (three months) is negligible compared to the life span of the sponge. Further experiments should aim to elucidate the fate of nanoplastics within sponges, the balance between plastic consumption, excretion and degradation, possibly involving sponge symbionts.