We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
A data synthesis on air–water exchange flux of plasticizers of phthalates and organophosphates in surface water
AI summary Read the abstract
This systematic review examines how plasticizer chemicals from plastics, including phthalates and organophosphates, move between water and air. Understanding this exchange process is important for human health because these chemicals, which can disrupt hormones and affect development, are released as plastics degrade into microplastics in the environment.
Microplastic pollution has become an emerging environmental issue in the past decades. Plasticizers are organic compounds applied during the manufacturing process and are of particular interests to researchers. Phthalate esters (PAEs) and organophosphate esters (OPEs) are two common types of plasticizers that have been found to be prevalent in water and the atmosphere. Investigating their air-water exchange process is crucial for understanding their sources and fate as pollutants. This study employs a systematic review and data synthesis to evaluate the air-water exchange and dry deposition flux of PAEs and OPEs on a global scale, aiming to identify the factors influencing their exchange process. Results showed that the air-water exchange and dry deposition flux vary among different types of plasticizers, and climatic conditions may also have impact on the air-water exchange flux. Future research is needed to explore more mechanisms related to the influencing factors. PRACTITIONER POINTS: The study presents a data synthesis of air-water exchange and dry deposition flux of plasticizers. Results indicate the sources and sinks of plasticizers on surface water, which helps to understand the consequence of plastic pollution. The air-water exchange and dry deposition flux of PAEs and OPEs vary due to different chemical properties and climatic conditions. Further research is needed to better understand the influencing factors of this process.
More Papers Like This
A Review On Plasticizers In Water And Food And Their Impact On Human Health
AI summary Read the abstract
This review synthesizes evidence on phthalates, bisphenols, and other plasticizers in water, food, and air, documenting links to metabolic disorders, reproductive toxicity, cancer, and neurodevelopmental delays, noting that contamination is now pervasive globally including in remote areas.
Desorption of phthalates from microplastics into surface water. In vitro study.
AI summary Read the abstract
This conference presentation examined the desorption of phthalates from microplastics into surface water through an in vitro study. The research investigated how plastic-associated phthalate plasticizers leach into aquatic environments under simulated conditions.
Micro/nanoplastics as environmental mediators: A systematic review of sources and interfacial processes driving cross-media transport and impacts
AI summary Read the abstract
This systematic review advances a process-based framework for understanding how micro- and nanoplastics move between terrestrial, aquatic, and atmospheric environments. The findings reveal that cross-media transport pathways are poorly integrated in existing research, meaning the full scope of human exposure to microplastics across environmental compartments is likely underestimated.
Comprehensive Insight from Phthalates Occurrence: From Health Outcomes to Emerging Analytical Approaches
AI summary Read the abstract
This review summarizes the widespread occurrence of phthalates, chemicals commonly used as plasticizers in plastic products, and their potential health effects including endocrine disruption and reproductive harm. The study also surveys emerging analytical methods for detecting phthalates in food, water, and biological samples, highlighting the challenge of daily human exposure through consumer products.
Enrichment of organophosphate esters in the surface microlayer of a subtropical urban lake: Phase partitioning dynamics and air-water exchange implications
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists found that flame-retardant and plasticizer chemicals (called OPEs) build up at surprisingly high levels in the thin surface layer of an urban lake—sometimes hundreds of times more concentrated than in the water below. This matters because these chemicals are common in household products and have been linked to health concerns, and this "skin" of concentrated chemicals on water surfaces affects how much of them evaporate into the air we breathe versus staying in water, meaning current pollution models may be underestimating human exposure risks.
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.