We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastics as sorption materials of herbicides, persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in a coastal bay
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers analyzed microplastics collected from the Bay of Brest in France and found that the particles had absorbed herbicides, persistent organic pollutants, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from surrounding waters. The type and amount of chemicals adsorbed varied depending on the plastic polymer and the environmental conditions. The study confirms that microplastics in coastal environments act as carriers for other harmful pollutants, potentially spreading contamination through marine food webs.
Environmental plastic pollution is a major issue due to widespread distribution and persistence across air, land, water. Marine plastic pollution primarily stems from land-based human activities via water runoff, rivers, wastewater discharge, though marine activities also contribute. Coastal and estuarine areas are pollution hotspots for plastic debris and a widespread range of anthropogenic contaminants. The present work assess contamination by organic pollutants in the microplastics collected in a coastal ecosystem, the Bay of Brest, France, in comparison with samples of surrounding surface seawater and sediments. Chemical analysis targeted 21 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) including the 16 prioritised by the US Environmental Protection Agency, 14 polychlorinated biphenyl congeners (PCBs) including the 7 monitored by the OSPAR Convention and 25 pesticides. Results showed that PAHs concentrations were highest in sediments near industrial and urban zones. PCBs and pesticides were undetectable in surface water while still present in sediments, indicating historical pollution. Floating microplastics carried only six PAHs, the PCB congener 101, and two pesticides. Namely, the herbicides alachlor, banned years ago, and S-metolachlor were quantified exclusively on floating microplastics, suggesting ongoing contamination from land-based sources due to agricultural soils erosion and runoff in the estuary. These findings raise concerns about the role of microplastics as vectors of pollutants reflecting human activities, in this case agricultural. It highlights the need to improve monitoring and mitigation strategies on plastic wastes and associated contaminants in aquatic and soil environments to reduce the risk for bioaccumulation and toxicity in marine ecosystem. • Sediment was the most contaminated matrix providing a record of current and legacy pollution • Floating microplastics contained 6 PAH, PCB congener 101, and 2 pesticides • Alachlor and S-metolachlor were quantified on floating microplastics and not on surrounding water • Data suggest land-based contamination due to soil erosion and runoff to the estuary
More Papers Like This
Microplastic-sorbed persistent organic pollutants in coastal Mediterranean Sea areas of Tunisia
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers analyzed microplastics collected from four Tunisian Mediterranean beaches, finding they contained sorbed persistent organic pollutants including polychlorinated biphenyls and organochlorine pesticides, highlighting microplastics as vectors for toxic chemicals.
Microplastics and associated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in surface water and sediment of the Bay of Bengal coastal area, India: sources, pathway and ecological risk
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers surveyed microplastic contamination in surface water and sediment along two Bay of Bengal coastal beaches in India and found microplastics present at both sites. They also detected polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, a group of harmful chemicals, adsorbed onto the microplastic surfaces at concentrations that varied by particle shape. The study highlights that microplastics in coastal waters act as carriers for toxic organic pollutants, potentially increasing ecological risks in the marine environment.
Investigation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) absorption from seawater to model microplastic particles
AI summary Read the abstract
Tiny plastic particles floating in seawater can act like sponges, soaking up toxic pollutants called PAHs (chemicals linked to cancer that come from sources like oil spills and burning fuel). This study found that certain plastics and pollutant combinations stick together more than others, meaning microplastics could be hitching a ride for these toxins through the ocean and potentially into the seafood we eat. Understanding which plastics absorb the most pollution helps scientists predict where these combined risks might be highest.
Sorption of alkylphenols and estrogens on microplastics in marine conditions
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated the sorption of six endocrine-disrupting chemicals — including alkylphenols and estrogens — onto microplastics under marine conditions, supporting the hypothesis that microplastics act as a secondary contamination vector for aquatic organisms by concentrating pollutants.
Les microplastiques en milieu marin : supports de contaminants chimiques - Étude bibliographique
AI summary Read the abstract
This French bibliographic review examined 121 papers on microplastics as carriers of chemical contaminants in marine environments, synthesizing what is known about how pollutants adsorb to and desorb from plastic surfaces. The ability of microplastics to concentrate persistent organic pollutants like PCBs and pesticides from seawater and potentially release them to marine organisms is a key concern.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.