Ecotoxicological Impact of Cigarette Butts on Coastal Ecosystems: The Case of Marbella Beach, Chile

René A. Garrido Lazo (), Raydel Manrique Suárez, María F. Bravo Guerra, Constanza C. Soto Silva, Jaime Pizarro Konczak and Claudia Ortiz Calderón
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René A. Garrido Lazo: Departamento de Ingeniería Geoespacial y Ambiental, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago 9160000, Chile
Raydel Manrique Suárez: Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales Matemática y Medio Ambiente, Universidad Tecnológica Metropolitana, Santiago 7750000, Chile
María F. Bravo Guerra: Departamento de Ingeniería Geoespacial y Ambiental, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago 9160000, Chile
Constanza C. Soto Silva: Departamento de Ingeniería Geoespacial y Ambiental, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago 9160000, Chile
Jaime Pizarro Konczak: Departamento de Ingeniería Geoespacial y Ambiental, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago 9160000, Chile
Claudia Ortiz Calderón: Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago 9160000, Chile

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 22, 1-17

Abstract: Cigarette butts (CBs) are a major source of persistent pollution in coastal ecosystems, introducing harmful chemicals and microplastics into the environment. This study assesses the ecotoxicological impact of CB leachates on Marbella Beach, Chile, by analyzing the metal contamination and its phytotoxic effects on Lactuca sativa and Lolium perenne . Three scenarios were evaluated: CBs alone, CBs mixed with sand, and sand alone. Leachate analysis revealed significant concentrations of iron and zinc, with higher toxicity observed in scenarios involving CBs. Ecotoxicological assays demonstrated that cigarette butt leachates severely inhibited seed germination and plant growth, particularly in Lactuca sativa , which showed greater sensitivity compared to that of Lolium perenne . The results underscore the partial mitigating role of sand, although it was insufficient to prevent the toxic effects of CBs. The persistence of cellulose acetate in the environment and the continued release of hazardous chemicals highlight the ecological risks posed by cigarette butt pollution. These findings emphasize the need for improved waste management strategies and the development of biodegradable cigarette filters to reduce environmental contamination in coastal areas.

Keywords: cigarette butt pollution; ecotoxicology; coastal ecosystems; heavy metal contamination; iron and zinc toxicity; plant bioassays; Lactuca sativa; Lolium perenne; environmental contamination; leachate toxicity (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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