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Pollution of the aquatic environment by plasticizers leached from microplastics originating from linear sewage systems
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Researchers found that plastic sewer pipes and rubber gaskets continuously leach phthalates — hormone-disrupting chemicals used to make plastics flexible — into surrounding water, with leaching rates increasing at higher temperatures, meaning plastic infrastructure itself is a source of chemical contamination in waterways.
The study investigates the emission of plasticizers into the aquatic environment from sewer systems, such as sewer pipes and their components. To analyze the influence of time and temperature on the migration of phthalates, two methods were used: multiple regression and Helwig’s information capacity indices. At the highest temperature analyzed of 18 °C, the emission levels from the sewer pipe were as follows: DEP ranged from 0.0036 to 0.0155 mg/kg, DBP ranged from 0.0972 to 0.2525 mg/kg, and DEHP ranged from 0.0023 to 0.0072 mg/kg. For the gasket, the emission levels of four phthalates were noted: DBP ranged from 0.028 to 0.042 mg/kg, DEHP ranged from 0.022 to 0.067 mg/kg, DBP ranged from 0.09 to 0.26 mg/kg, and DMP ranged from 0.029 to 0.053 mg/kg. The research confirmed that, depending on environmental conditions, phthalate esters are leached from microplastics originating from these systems. Depending on the analyzed material and type of plasticizer, various parameters had varying impacts on the extent of their emission. Higher temperatures increased the migration of substances from the polymer matrix, while lower temperatures slowed down this process.
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Researchers demonstrated that microplastics are a major source of phthalate esters in aquatic environments, with PVC products leaching the highest concentrations and environmental factors like UV exposure and salinity increasing release rates.
Occurrence and distribution of phthalate esters and microplastics in wastewater treatment plants in Taiwan and their toxicological risks
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Researchers analyzed phthalate esters and microplastics across 17 wastewater treatment plants in Taiwan, finding the highest plasticizer concentrations in sewage treatment plants and correlations between microplastic abundance and phthalate levels, with associated toxicological risks.
Microplastics emerge as a hotspot for dibutyl phthalate sources in rivers and oceans: Leaching behavior and potential risks
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Researchers investigated how the plasticizer dibutyl phthalate leaches from PVC microplastics in both freshwater and seawater environments. They found that UV irradiation and water chemistry significantly influenced leaching rates, with higher release observed under simulated environmental conditions. The findings suggest that microplastics in rivers and oceans act as ongoing sources of potentially harmful chemical additives.
Polyvinyl Chloride Microplastics Leach Phthalates into the Aquatic Environment over Decades
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Researchers measured how phthalate plasticisers leach from polyvinyl chloride microplastics into water over extended time periods and found that the release process can continue for decades. The study identified the specific mass transfer mechanisms governing leaching rates for three common phthalates. These findings suggest that PVC microplastics represent a long-term source of chemical contamination in aquatic environments, far longer than previously appreciated.
Microplastic acts as a vector for contaminants: the release behavior of dibutyl phthalate from polyvinyl chloride pipe fragments in water phase
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Researchers investigated the release behavior of dibutyl phthalate (DBP) from polyvinyl chloride pipe fragments in water, finding that low concentrations were released under varying conditions, confirming that PVC microplastics act as vectors for phthalate contaminants in aquatic environments.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.