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The ecological impacts of discarded cigarette butts
journal contribution
posted on 2023-08-30, 19:12 authored by Dannielle S. Green, Andrew D. W Tongue, Bas BootsCigarette butts, one of the most littered items globally, present a unique challenge to ecosystems due to their ubiquity, persistence, and potential for harm. Over 35 studies have examined the toxicity of cigarette butts in biota from aquatic and terrestrial habitats from microbes to mice, but many organisms and habitats have not been tested. Two-thirds of studies are on aquatic organisms, and lethal effects were common. Research on the impacts on terrestrial life is lagging behind. Cigarette butts can affect the growth, behaviour, and reproductive output of individual organisms in all three habitats, but research on wider effects on biodiversity and ecosystem functioning is lacking. Here, we summarise the ecotoxicological concerns and identify important knowledge gaps for future research.
History
Refereed
- Yes
Volume
37Issue number
2Page range
183-192Publication title
Trends in Ecology and EvolutionISSN
1872-8383External DOI
Publisher
Cell PressFile version
- Accepted version
Language
- eng