Detection of Cyanox®53 within surface sediments and the microplastic biomonitor, Nuttallia obscurata, dwelling in Burrard Inlet, British Columbia: Implications for toxicity

The minuscule nature of microplastics results in their uptake in many aquatic species, leading to the risk of physiological damage and exposure to toxic additives and anthropogenic pollutants not irreversibly bound to the polymer matrix. Cyanox®53 presents a unique case as it not only can function as an additive but also as a physical particle. Though recent surveys have documented its presence in the environment, significant gaps in knowledge concerning Cyanox®53 remain in the literature. Hence, the purpose of this study was to investigate the abundance and distribution of Cyanox®53 from seven beaches throughout Burrard Inlet, British Columbia, and to explore its toxicological implications via QSAR modelling. Particle concentrations of Cyanox®53 and microplastics were recovered following survey samplings of surface sediments and varnish clams. Model simulation based on a feasible structure predicted Cyanox®53 to be a persistent chemical unlikely to bioaccumulate; however, it was inconclusive if it could elicit toxicity.