# Geochemical signatures in plastic debris from the Curonian Lagoon, Lithuania

## TL;DR

This study analyzed plastic debris from the Curonian Lagoon to understand how elements accumulate on plastic waste and contribute to pollution.

## Contribution

The study identifies polyethylene as having the highest elemental uptake and proposes the aluminum to lanthanum ratio as an indicator of anthropogenic pollution.

## Key findings

- Polyethylene showed the highest elemental uptake compared to other polymers.
- Alkali and alkaline earth elements may enhance the uptake of intermediate ions.
- The aluminum to lanthanum ratio could indicate industrial and vehicle pollution.

## Abstract

This study examined elemental accumulation on weathered plastic waste as a contributor to environmental pollution. Twenty-five plastic samples collected near the Curonian Lagoon in Lithuania were analyzed for 32 elements using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer (ICP-MS). Five common polymers (polyethylene, polypropylene, Polyethersulfone, polyester, and polyethylene terephthalate) were identified, with polyethylene exhibiting the highest elemental uptake, followed by polypropylene and polystyrene. Correlation analysis suggested relationships between elemental uptake and geochemical behavior, with alkali and alkaline earth elements (REEs) potentially enhancing the uptake of intermediate ions. However, elements such as sulfur, lead, cadmium, and antimony showed limited correlation with other elements. Despite their low mobility, REEs were used to infer sources of pollution, and the aluminum to lanthanum ratio was proposed as a potential indicator of possible anthropogenic pollution from industrial, petroleum, and vehicle emissions.