Time to kick the butt of the most common litter item in the world: Ban cigarette filters

Toxicological assessment of cigarette filter-derived microplastics in Daphnia magna

Cigarette filters are the most common form of litter worldwide and pose significant ecological risks because they degrade into microfibers and microplastics in aquatic environments. While previous studies have focused on the acute toxicity of cigarette leachate, the long-term ecological consequences of microplastic release from cigarette filters remain largely unexplored. This study evaluated the toxicity of cigarette filter-derived microplastics, including non-smoked cellulose acetate filters (CAF), smoked cigarette filters (GSF), on Daphnia magna, as well as leachate from smoked filter (LSF) for comparison. Imaging analysis confirmed that D. magna ingested cigarette filter-derived microplastics, which acted as carriers, gradually releasing harmful substances within organisms, a phenomenon consistent with the Trojan horse effect. Acute toxicity tests revealed similar 48-hour EC50 values (∼50 mg/L) for both GSF and LSF; however, GSF induced more pronounced long-term toxic effects. Chronic exposure to GSF significantly impairs reproduction, delays the timing of the first brood, reduces offspring size, and disrupts ecdysteroid-regulated genes. These findings indicate that cigarette filters are a persistent source of chemical pollution, threatening aquatic ecosystems. Specifically, microplastics from discarded cigarette filters act as Trojan horses, continuously releasing toxic chemicals and transporting hydrophobic contaminants, amplifying their environmental impact.

The impacts of smoked cigarette butt leachate on a common freshwater gastropod, Lymnaea stagnalis

Cigarette butts (CBs) are one of the most littered items worldwide. As litter they present physical (plastic fibres and burnt tobacco) and chemical (compounds retained on the filter and in the tobacco) contamination with detrimental effects on the receiving ecosystem. There is however a dearth of research on their effects and on the ability of organisms to recover from exposure. Here, the effects of CBs on mortality, growth, feeding, egg production and hatching success of the great pond snail (Lymnaea stagnalis), were investigated, but also their recovery post-exposure. Individuals were exposed to CB leachate at either 0 (control), 0.25, 0.5 or 1 CB L-1 for four weeks and subsequently they were allowed to recover for a further three weeks without contamination. The presence of CB leachate increased mortality and decreased egg production, egg viability, and growth of snails. Feeding rate was not affected by the presence of CB during exposure phase. All variables showed evidence of recovery once not exposed to the contaminant. Mortality decreased, growth in shell length and biomass increased whilst egg production and viability increased to the same level as controls. This study found that even environmentally realistic concentrations of CB leachate (0.25 CB L-1) can cause mortality and decreased reproductive success of aquatic snails. The improvement of these responses after removal of the leachate indicates that preventing or removing CBs could restore affected ecosystems.

Microplastic contamination in no-take Marine Protected Areas of Brazil: Bivalves as sentinels

Microplastics (MPs) are pervasive environmental contaminants even in remote and pristine locations. Despite extensive literature documenting their widespread presence in marine environments, there is limited understanding of MP contamination in Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), particularly in developing countries. This study assessed MP contamination using multiple filter-feeding bivalve species as sentinels. Samplings were performed during 2022, in ten selected no-take MPAs under different management categories according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature. MPs size, shape, color, and polymeric composition were analyzed using established protocols, including Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. MPs concentrations (0.42 ± 0.34 [0.17-2.00] particles.g-1 ww) peaked at natural monuments, while strict nature reserves and parks were less affected. Based on scientific literature comparison, no-take MPAs were less contaminated by MPs than multiple-use MPAs and unprotected areas in Brazil. However, the observed levels remain concerning, given the potential ecological risks, including trophic transfer, physiological disruptions, and habitat degradation. Around 59% of MPs were organic polymers and alkyd (28%), while polyethylene terephthalate (14%) was the main anthropogenic polymer. MPs were predominantly black, white, or transparent fragments measuring <1000 μm, not differing among MPAs individually or grouped protection category, therefore displaying the consistent qualitative patterns along the Brazilian coast. This study underscores the ecological risks posed by MPs in MPAs, emphasizing the need for long-term monitoring programs and targeted mitigation strategies, contributing to global efforts assessing and managing MP contamination, aligning with the 11th Aichi Target to reduce pressures on biodiversity and promote marine ecosystems sustainable use.

Litter in French urban areas-part 1: composition, sources, and spatio-temporal variations on urban surfaces

Urban areas concentrate on human activities that generate large amounts of waste. A small fraction is mismanaged and ends up on urban surfaces and eventually in waterways. The fraction reaching waterways is usually estimated using poorly constrained data, while litter density on urban surfaces and its subsequent transfer dynamics are also poorly documented. This study provides new insights into litter composition, sources, and spatio-temporal variations in the urban catchments of Pin Sec and Jules Verne (Nantes, France), which are dominated by industrial/commercial, collective, and individual housing areas. Regular litter collection on selected street sections was combined with visual counting of street litter (> 1 cm). In total, 50.8 kg (dry weight) of litter were collected and 232,217 items were counted, mainly smoking and food consumption-related items. Litter densities ranged between 40,000 and 452,000 items/km2 depending on local activities, item mobility, and land use as a driver of road and foot traffic. A median litter accumulation rate of 7 g/inhabitant/day was estimated, suggesting that 0.6% of the total amount of waste generated in public places is mismanaged. Results over space show that litter is strongly correlated with land use and that litter accumulation is promoted in green spaces. Results over time show that litter stock is quickly renewed and that items may have long residence time on urban surfaces.

Inequitable exposure to tobacco product litter among adolescents in California, USA

INTRODUCTION

Tobacco waste is a costly, widespread blight and environmental toxicant that is not distributed equally across geographical areas. This investigation reports on the prevalence of noticing tobacco litter and potential inequities in tobacco litter exposure among adolescents in California, USA.

METHODS

Data from the 2023 Teens, Nicotine, and Tobacco (TNT) Online Survey (N=4910), a statewide, online cross-sectional survey of California adolescents aged 12-17 years, were analyzed for the self-reported frequency of noticing tobacco product litter. All participants were asked to report how often they notice tobacco product litter (closed-ended response options: almost always, sometimes, once in a while, never). Survey-weighted multivariable regression models were fitted to quantify the odds of noticing tobacco litter 'almost always' according to participant characteristics (age, sex, gender/sexual identity, race/ethnicity, location, family finances, and own and household tobacco use). Data were weighted for geographical and demographic representativeness and response quality.

RESULTS

The prevalence of noticing tobacco litter almost always was 44.6% overall and higher among participants who identified as Hispanic/Latino (50.9%) or LGBTQ+ (53.3%), lived in a small town (57.8%), or whose families were financially disadvantaged (52.7%). These inequities persisted in multivariable models, including adjustment for own and household tobacco use. For example, Hispanic/Latino participants had 1.66-times the adjusted odds of almost always noticing tobacco litter (95% CI: 1.32-2.07; reference: non-Hispanic White); the adjusted odds ratio for LGBTQ+ identity was 1.39 (95% CI: 1.04-1.87; reference: non-LGBTQ+).

CONCLUSIONS

The pervasive exposure to tobacco litter observed in this study suggests a need for stronger efforts to reduce tobacco waste, with an emphasis on advancing equity.

Cigarette butts in Vietnam's marine environments: From pollution to solutions and prospects

Cigarette butts contain over 4000 toxic chemicals, including nicotine, tar, and heavy metals. More than 90 % of cigarettes sold today feature single-use plastic filters composed of cellulose acetate fibers and various additives. Cigarette butts are hazardous waste that pose significant risks to ecosystems and human health. Littered cigarette butts can act as an essential vehicle for toxic chemicals in the water environment. Cigarette butts contribute to gradual environmental degradation by releasing heavy metals such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), vanadium (V), nickel (Ni), and arsenic (As). Recent reports highlight the alarming increase in cigarette butt pollution on beaches, emphasizing the significance of commercial cigarette filters as single-use plastics and the primary contributors to this environmental threat. Given their potential toxicity, the research community has increasingly focused on understanding the profound impact of cigarette butt pollution on freshwater bodies, marine ecosystems, and terrestrial environments. However, there remains a considerable gap in knowledge regarding the extent of cigarette butt pollution, especially on Vietnam's beaches. While cigarette butts are a pervasive form of litter globally, little is known about their environmental effects, accumulation patterns, potential toxicity, and impacts on the coastline of Vietnam. This underscores the need for an in-depth investigation into this issue, expressing disappointment over the limited research conducted in coastal areas thus far. This article advocates for active participation from the scientific community to bridge this gap, asserting that collaborative research efforts will bring attention to and address the critical issue of cigarette butt pollution in Vietnam's regions and potential harm to natural ecosystems. Furthermore, enhancing research efforts to understand and mitigate cigarette butt pollution on Vietnam's beaches is crucial for achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs).

Rapid, detrimental response of estuarine benthic macrofauna communities to pollution by littered cigarette filters and e-liquid

Cigarette butts are amongst the most littered single-use plastics on coasts, yet their impacts on marine ecosystems, especially on a community level, are not well understood. Recently, e-cigarettes have become popular and are a novel litter item in marine habitats. Preliminary research indicates that e-liquid can harm individual organisms, but few studies have been done and none on a community level. In a mesocosm experiment, we tested the impacts of cigarette butts (0.25, 1 butt L-1) or e-liquid (1 mL L-1) on infaunal invertebrate communities using intact sediment cores. After two weeks, the abundance of polychaetes, bivalves, and gastropods was significantly reduced in mesocosms with 1 cigarette butt L-1 compared with controls. Exposure to e-liquid resulted in severe oxygen depletion (<1 mg L-1) and almost complete mortality of sediment infauna after just four days. As litter, cigarette butts and disposable e-cigarettes both pose a threat to estuarine biodiversity.

Cigarette butts enable toxigenic cyanobacteria growth by inhibiting their lethal fungal infections

Cigarette butts (CBs), of which around 4.5 trillion are discarded annually, are one of the most common types of litter worldwide. CBs contain various chemicals, including metals, nicotine, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which can leach into water and pose a threat to aquatic organisms such as cyanobacteria and chytrid fungi. Chytrids, zoosporic fungi that parasitize cyanobacteria lethally, play a crucial role in regulating cyanobacteria blooms by delaying or suppressing bloom formation. Despite the prevalence of CBs in the environment, the impact of their leachates on cyanobacteria-chytrid interactions is not well understood. We assessed the effects of CB leachate on the interaction between the toxigenic cyanobacterium Planktothrix agardhii and its chytrid parasite Rhizophydium megarrhizum. CB leachate inhibited cyanobacterial growth in uninfected cultures. Infection prevalence decreased at 0.2, 2, and 10 CB L-1, with the two highest concentrations completely suppressing infection. Interestingly, at the highest CB concentration, cyanobacterial biomass in infected cultures was comparable to that of uninfected cultures not exposed to CB leachate, suggesting that the presence of chytrids mitigates the impact of the leachate. This study demonstrates that CB leachates are a potential environmental hazard that can enable cyanobacterial growth by inhibiting chytrid infections during epidemics. In addition, our research highlights the importance of assessing the effects of chemical mixtures, such as those leached from CBs, on multi-species interactions, such as host-parasite dynamics. These assessments are crucial to better understand the impact of pollutants on aquatic ecosystems.

Marine macrolitter and cigarette butts hazard multiple-use marine protected area and fishing community at Brazil

Wide marine litter (ML) contamination impacts human health and economic sectors including fishing, navigation, and tourism. Perequê beach, Brazil, is an authentic fishing community within a touristic multiple-use marine protected area. However, no ML contamination monitoring were so far performed in the region. This study evaluated the spatiotemporal abundance, composition, sources, and associated ML hazards at Perequê beach using a multi-index approach. The 2579 items (0.64 ± 0.72 items.m-2) yielded a high contamination level (CCI = 12.6 ± 14.4) with plastic (44.6-50.9 %) and cigarette butts (20.6-28.4 %) prevalence, while primary sources were smoking (cigarette butts, lighters, others-21.2-30.1 %) and packaging (17.8-22.8 %). Levels of pollutants leaked from cigarette butts (CBPI = 30.5 ± 47.5) and hazardous items (HALI = 3.06 ± 2.64) were among the highest globally. Heightened levels occurred in summer, at dry sand strip, where short-term buoyant items prevailed. Multi-indexing approaches offer valuable insights for local authorities to implement mitigation programs, while contributing to global discussions, promoting awareness, and facilitating replicability.

Marine litter along the Peruvian coast: spatiotemporal composition, sources, hazard, and human modification relations

Marine litter (ML) represents an escalating environmental issue, particularly in Latin America, where comprehensive studies are scarce despite critical solid waste management challenges and continuous human modification occurring on the coasts. To contribute to the knowledge of ML in the southeast Pacific, this study examined contamination across 10 beaches on Peru's extensive coast. Overall, ML contamination was categorized as moderate (with an ML concentration of 0.49 ± 0.64 items∙m-2), while significantly differing between summer (dirty with an ML concentration of 0.56 ± 0.66 items∙m-2) and winter (moderate with an ML concentration of 0.47 ± 0.60 items∙m-2). Three beaches were extremely dirty (concentrations of ML exceeded 1.0 items∙m-2). Predominant materials, items, and sources were plastic, cigarette butts (CBs), and mixed packaging. The Peruvian coast faced CB leachate impact (CBPI = 3.5 ± 3.5), reaching severe levels on two beaches, with considerable hazardous litter (HALI = 3.0 ± 2.9). Additionally, a higher degree of human modification was associated with higher ML levels along the coast.

Cellulose acetate cigarette filter is hazardous to human health

The World No Tobacco Day 2022 theme emphasised tobacco's adverse environmental effects, including through agriculture, manufacturing, distribution, use and the disposal of tobacco product waste. A main concern regarding this toxic waste is the cigarette filter, which is attached to nearly all commercial cigarettes and is predominantly made from a plant-based plastic (cellulose acetate). Laboratory studies have demonstrated the chemical toxicity of discarded cigarette butts, and there is growing public concern regarding environmental plastic pollution resulting from single-use cellulose acetate filters. Important considerations are whether the filter has any protective role against the harms of smoking and whether it should be regulated as a plastic environmental pollutant. There is persistent misunderstanding among smokers and policy makers about the implied value of the cigarette filter. The cellulose acetate filter is simply a marketing tool that encourages smoking initiation and reduces intentions to quit smoking. This is because it makes smoking easier and implies added safety through the presumed filtration of inhaled smoke. The sale of filtered cigarettes should be prohibited to protect public health and the environment.

Leaching of organic matter from cigarette butt filters as a potential disinfection by-products precursor

The study aimed to evaluate cigarette butt filters (CBFs) as a potential source of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in water leading to the formation of disinfection by-products. Two different forms of CBFs - intact (I) and disintegrated (D), as they occur in the environment, were selected for leaching in chlorinated (CI, CD), non-chlorinated (NI, ND), and highly chlorinated (HCD) water samples. The UV absorbance profiles of the leachate samples showed that intact CBFs exhibited higher DOC leaching compared to the disintegrated ones, which was further accentuated in chlorinated samples (CI > CD > NI > ND). The Fourier Transform Infrared spectra of the leachates revealed the presence of characteristic functional groups of cellulose acetate and its chlorinated derivatives, indicating the potential degradation of the polymer. Moreover, trihalomethane (THM) formation in chlorinated samples was relatively higher in CI samples (2 - 11.5 times) compared to CD, consistent with the DOC leaching trends. Further, the speciation characteristics of different THMs in both CI and CD samples were similar. Although spectral and morphological analyzes of CI and CD samples revealed negligible variation, HCD samples depicted significant surface roughness characterized by the formation of pits and holes, along with the evolution of crystallinity. This suggested accelerated degradation of CBFs and disruption of acetyl groups as a factor of elevated chlorine concentrations.

Microplastic and other anthropogenic microparticles in Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus) and their coastal habitat: A first-look at a central Canadian Arctic commercial fishery

In the recent monitoring guidelines released by the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Program's Litter and Microplastic Expert Group, Arctic salmonids were recommended as an important species for monitoring plastics in Arctic ecosystems, with an emphasis on aligning microplastic sampling and analysis methods in Arctic fishes. This recommendation was based on the minimal documentation of microplastics in Northern fishes, especially Arctic salmonids. In response, we worked collaboratively with local partners to quantify and characterize microplastics in Arctic char, Salvelinus alpinus, and their habitats in a commercial fishery near Iqaluktuuttiaq (Cambridge Bay), Nunavut. We sampled Arctic char, surface water, and benthic sediments within their summer foraging habitat at Palik (Byron Bay). We found microplastics in 95 % of char with an average of 26 (SD ± 19) particles per individual. On average, surface water samples had 23 (SD ± 12) particles/L and benthic sediment <1 particles/gww. This is the first documentation of plastic pollution in Arctic char and their coastal habitats. Future work should evaluate seasonal, temporal and spatial trends for long-term monitoring of microplastics in Arctic fishes and their habitats.

Exploring cigarette butts pollution in Saint Martin Island: A marine protected area

Saint Martin Island (SMI), the only coral island in Bangladesh, is located in the Bay of Bengal and has been identified as a marine protected area (MPA). Littering cigarette butts (CBs) waste in an ecologically sensitive environment can have numerous adverse effects. The purpose of this research is to investigate the abundance and density of CBs in SMI and to assess the pollution status using the Cigarette Butt Pollution Index (CBPI). This study is conducted based on the visual survey method in the three types of land use zones of SMI. During the peak season, the investigation was carried out from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in December 2023. A total of 4481 CBs item were counted, and the density ranged from 0.37 to 1.76 m-2 with an average value of 0.99 m-2 across 12 sampling campaigns. The highest density was observed at service zones, and the fishing zones had the lowest density. The calculated CBPI values revealed that 75 % of the sampling stations were in the "severe pollution" while 25 % were classified as "high pollution" status, underscoring the prevalence of hazardous CBs across most areas of SMI. To tackle these issues requires regulatory measures, public awareness initiatives, and community involvement. Effective waste management and eco-friendly product promotion can help reduce CBs pollution risks in marine protected islands.

Waterborne Toxicity to Neotropical Invertebrates and Hazard of Cigarette Butt Leachates in Marine Environments

Cigarette butts (CBs) are the most common type of beach litter worldwide and contain a complex mixture of chemicals. Given the recent interest in this emerging problem, it is important to assess the toxicity of CB leachates to a range of species from different regions, sensitivities, and ecological traits. We evaluated the waterborne toxicity of smoked CB to tropical invertebrates. Leachates were prepared in the laboratory and characterized for trace elements (Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, and Pb), ammonia nitrogen, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Then a set of toxicity tests with marine invertebrates was performed as follows: the brine shrimp Artemia sp. (nontoxic); the amphipod Tiburonella viscana (median lethal concentration [LC50] of 0.038 CB/L); the tanaid Monokalliapseudes schubarti (LC50 of 0.126 CB/L); the copepods Tisbe biminiensis (median effect concentration [EC50] of 0.038 CB/L) and Nitokra sp. (EC50 of 0.009 CB/L); pluteus stage larvae of the sea urchin Echinometra lucunter (EC50 of 0.152 CB/L); the sand dollar Mellita quinquiesperforata (EC50 of 0.054 CB/L); and D-stage larvae of the mussel Perna perna (EC50 of 0.005 CB/L). The predicted no-effect concentration was estimated using species sensitivity distribution, producing a 5th percentile hazard concentration of 0.015 CB/L. This preliminary threshold allowed us to estimate the potential impact of a single CB to 67 L of seawater via leaching, contributing to the advancement of knowledge regarding the contamination, toxicity, and ecological risks of cigarette waste. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:374-384. © 2023 SETAC.

Detection and quantification of various microplastics in human endometrium based on laser direct infrared spectroscopy

The pollution of microplastics (MPs) has received widespread attention with the increasing usage of plastics in recent years. MPs could enter the human body and exist in the circulatory system. Endometrium, with rich blood vessels, acts as an essential role in human health and female fertility. However, there is no study reporting the MPs exposure in human endometrium. We collected the endometrium samples to detect the presence of MPs qualitatively and quantitatively via laser direct infrared. We found that there was a total of 13 types of MPs existing in the collected samples, among which 6 special types of MPs were with both high abundance and high detection rate. The abundance of these MPs ranged from 0 to 117 particles/100 mg, with a median abundance of 21 particles/100 mg. Most detected MPs, accounting for 88.35 %, were in small size (20-100 μm). Among small-size MPs, ethylene-acrylic acid copolymer ranked first while polyethylene accounted for the largest proportion among large-size MPs (100-500 μm). Correlation analysis indicated there was no significant relationship between age and MP abundance or BMI and MP abundance. We also designed a questionnaire to investigate lifestyle and daily habits, aiming at revealing the potential relationship between MP exposure and living habits. We discovered that some drinking habits and chewing gum were significantly correlated with a higher level of MP exposure. For the first time, we identified the presence of MPs in human endometrium and clarified the potential connections between MP exposure and lifestyle. Further studies are still necessary to explore more underlying information.

Cigarettes butt littering: The story of the world's most littered item from the perspective of pollution, remedial actions, and policy measures

Cigarettes butt (CB) is one of the most littered items on the planet. This paper critically analyzes the factors responsible for CB littering, and associated environmental ramifications, and reviews all the possible technical, behavioural, and policy-based solutions. Even while smoking has declined globally, middle-income nations have seen an increase in consumption, which may be related to increased affordability and a lack of public awareness. The smokers' individual beliefs and habits, environmental ignorance, covert littering as a result of social taboos associated with smoking, and behavioural gaps between intention and action might all be contributing factors to CBs' littering behaviour. The low biodegradability of cellulose acetate filters and toxic chemical leaching from CBs are the most important aspects of CB environmental toxicity. The small size and low economic value of CB contribute to the inefficiencies of current waste collection and management systems. The current research on CB valorisation includes fired-clay bricks, asphalt concrete, biofilms, sound absorber, cellulose pulp, pesticides, and insecticides as downstream mitigation strategies. This study highlights the urgent need for policymakers to enforce regulations enabling innovative cigarette designs, the creation of deposit-refund schemes, extended producer responsibility and stringent waste collection mechanisms. Adopting gentler marketing strategies and non-confrontational behavioural nudges could result in an overall reduction in CB pollution.