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Adsorption behavior and mechanism of cadmium, copper, and lead on polylactic acid microplastics exposed to ultraviolet light
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Researchers examined how polyethylene microplastics absorb and release cadmium, a toxic heavy metal, in freshwater conditions, finding that acidic environments can cause near-complete release of cadmium back into the water. This raises concern that microplastics carrying heavy metals could deliver those toxins to aquatic organisms through their digestive systems.
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A 60-day sediment incubation study showed that biodegradable microplastics (PLA and PHA) lowered sediment pH and organic matter content, shifting cadmium into more mobile acid-soluble chemical forms and increasing its bioavailability—with smaller particle sizes and higher concentrations having the greatest effect. The finding challenges the assumption that biodegradable plastics are environmentally safe, revealing that even these alternatives can amplify heavy metal toxicity in contaminated sediments and pose compounded risks to aquatic life and food safety.
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