Hydrodynamic transport modes drive the mechanism of copper adsorption on polyethylene terephthalate microplastic particles

Summary

Scientists found that tiny microplastic particles are better at soaking up copper (a common water contaminant) than larger plastic pieces, because smaller particles move through water differently and have more surface area to attract metals. This matters because the smallest microplastics—the ones easiest for our bodies to absorb and hardest to filter out of water—may actually be carrying more toxic metals along with them, potentially increasing our exposure to harmful contaminants.