A toxicity study on Daphnia magna and Artemia salina: Are paper cups safe?

Abstract

The objective of our study is to reveal the effects of paper cups sold under different brands on the aquatic test organisms, Daphnia magna and Artemia salina, which are frequently used in toxicity studies. To this end, survival rates of D. magna and A. salina individuals, which were kept alive after cooling in paper cups exposed to 20 °C and 80 °C, for 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours were determined. Upon examining the results, while no significant decrease was found in the survival rates of D. magna and A. salina individuals kept in glassware, a significant increase was identified in the mortality rates of individuals kept in paper glasses, especially at 72 and 96 hours. It was determined that whereas the mortality rates reached 40% in paper and plastic cups exposed to 20 °C water, the mortality rates reached 70% in paper cups exposed to 80 °C water. Moreover, regression was found in the developmental and reproductive characteristics of D. magna and A. salina individuals, which were kept in paper cups exposed to water at different temperatures, compared to the control group and individuals in glass cups. We think that this was caused by microplastics or some chemicals released into the water due to the deterioration of the film layer on the inner surface of the glass, especially due to the high temperature.