Aged polyethylene terephthalate (PET) by photodegradation can affect the next generation of exposed Daphnia magna

Due to its versatility and functionality, plastic has become one of the most successful materials in modern society. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is one of the most attractive commercial plastics. Due to the large consumption, it is considered the main litter that deteriorates the environment. Regardless of the method, the degradation of plastic materials results in their fragmentation into smaller pieces and the release of their chemical components like antimony (Sb) for example. Sb is the most important catalyst used in the synthesis of this polyester, being present in >90 % of PET manufactured worldwide. In this study, we simulated an environment of photodegradation of PET fragments in aqueous medium for 24 h and evaluated the toxicity of this liquid fraction to Daphnia magna. The PET degradation was investigated through atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy analyses of the PET surface, and total organic carbon of the aqueous fraction of the PET degradation. Release of Sb from PET to aqueous fraction was verified through ICP-MS analysis. Ratio of PET weight released into water during photodegradation was determined. The toxicological results indicate changes in the reproduction parameter, swimming activity, heart rate, and thoracic movements of exposed D. magna. In addition, ROS generation and structural damage to exposed organisms were observed. Toxic effects were verified at the first generation of exposed daphnids over chronic toxicity tests, demonstrating that toxic effects of aged PET reaching subsequent generations of exposed D. magna and threatening the maintenance of this species.