First record of Hyperphyscia coralloides (L.) Scutari growing on PET plastic within a fruit crops plot and its implications

Abstract

In a fruit crop located in the Lujan district (Buenos Aires province, Argentina), we exposed plastic bottles to the environment for three years. We explored microplastics' presence on thalli. Out of the potential five lichen species only one grew: Hyperphyscia coralloides. Microplastic particles were observed on the thalli. The present work represents the first record of H. coralloides growing on PET plastic. Considering the largest thalli size recorded, the results of the growth rate are similar in an average to those recorded for fruticose species. Finally, our results suggest that the contact of H. coralloides with microplastics may be a potential pathway for the incorporation of microplastics into ecosystems.