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Impact of ManganeseMineral Transformations on NanoplasticTransport and Sedimentation in Surface and Subsurface Aqueous Systems
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Tiny plastic particles (nanoplastics) can travel through soil and water, potentially reaching drinking water sources—but this study found that a common natural mineral called manganese oxide can trap these particles, especially in one form called manganite, which grabbed onto plastic particles far more effectively than other mineral forms. This matters because it suggests that certain soils and sediments naturally rich in manganese oxides might act as filters, slowing the spread of nanoplastics into groundwater and reducing human exposure through drinking water.
The fate and transport of nanoplastics (NPs) are strongly governed by interactions with ubiquitous mineral particles in natural environments. While Fe/Al/Si mineral phases have been extensively investigated, the role of manganese oxide minerals (MnOx), a dominant and highly reactive mineral fraction, has received comparatively little attention. This study systematically examines interactions between polystyrene NPs and primary MnOx (manganite) as well as its subsequent transformed phases, i.e., pyrolusite and bixbyite, under environmentally relevant pH, ionic strength, and humic acid conditions. The results show that the higher density of surface hydroxyl groups and positive surface charge of manganite resulted in the maximum NP sorption capacity (1071.4 mg/g) compared to pyrolusite and bixbyite. Manganite promoted rapid and strong heteroaggregation with NPs in aqueous systems, as confirmed by zeta potential measurements and sedimentation kinetics. Spectroscopic analysis (FTIR and XPS) confirmed that surface functional groups play a vital role in NPs–MnOx interactions. Column transport experiments in saturated porous media further demonstrated that MnOx and pore-water chemistry influence NP mobility. Manganite-coated sand exhibited maximum NP retention relative to pyrolusite and bixbyite, indicating restricted NP transport under subsurface conditions. Overall, these findings highlight the importance of MnOx in controlling NP mobility in aqueous environments.
More Papers Like This
Impact of Manganese Mineral Transformations on Nanoplastic Transport and Sedimentation in Surface and Subsurface Aqueous Systems
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Scientists found that changes in manganese minerals (naturally found in soil and water) can affect whether tiny plastic particles—called nanoplastics—stay floating in water or sink and settle out. This matters because nanoplastics are small enough to end up in our drinking water, and understanding what makes them sink or keep moving could help engineers design better water treatment methods to filter them out before they reach our taps.
Selective adsorption of compositionally distinct microplastic-derived dissolved organic matter governs MnO2 aggregation.
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In lab tests, dissolved organic matter released from polystyrene plastic caused manganese dioxide mineral particles to clump together, while organic matter from tire wear particles kept them more dispersed. The study found these opposite effects were due to differences in how each type of organic matter chemically interacted with the mineral's surface.
Effects of co-present mineral colloids on the transport of microplastics in porous media: The key role of hydrochemical and hydrodynamic conditions
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Scientists studied how tiny plastic particles (microplastics) move through soil and sand when mixed with natural clay particles. They found that the combination of different clay types and water conditions can either help microplastics travel further underground or trap them in place. This research helps us better understand how microplastics might contaminate groundwater sources that provide our drinking water.
Enhanced mobility and dynamic retention of nanoplastics in mineral coated porous media.
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Scientists studied how tiny plastic particles move through different types of soil and sand that might be found in groundwater systems. They discovered that these nanoplastics travel much farther and faster through soil than previously thought, especially when water flows quickly. This matters because it suggests that plastic pollution from things like food packaging and cosmetics could spread more widely through our drinking water sources than we realized.
Impact of Minerals (Ferrihydrite and Goethite) and Their Organo-Mineral Complexes on Fate and Transport of Nanoplastics in the Riverine and Terrestrial Environments
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Researchers studied how common iron minerals and their organic matter complexes affect the movement and fate of nanoplastics in river and soil environments. The study found that pure minerals had higher sorption capacity for nanoplastics than their organo-mineral counterparts, and goethite-based systems caused greater aggregation and retention of nanoplastics, suggesting that soil mineral composition plays an important role in nanoplastic transport.
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