Release of Fluorescent Organic Matter by Polystyrene in Aquatic Systems

Polystyrene has been extensively used in various industries and consumer products, leading to high quantities of waste. In areas with improper waste management, plastic products reach water systems. Various substances can migrate from plastics into water and become part of a fraction, generically named fluorescent dissolved organic matter. The aim of this study is to determine the level of fluorescent organic matter that leaches from polystyrene into lake water samples, which have a relatively high natural organic matter content. Thus, coffee cup lids have been added to triplicate water samples and compared to a control sample, over a period of 3 weeks. Results show that fluorescent substances migrate from plastic into lake water samples. Styrene oligomers, toluene, and phenol derivates have been proposed as substances that potentially leach from polystyrene products. These compounds may have an impact on fluorescence properties of dissolved organic matter, by potentially inhibiting the microbial activity in water or by forming complex compounds.