Influences of microplastic-dissolved organic matter-arsenic interactions on arsenic fate in geogenic contaminated groundwater: Mechanistic insights from kinetic-thermodynamic investigations and modeling

Adsorption mechanism of arsenic(V) on aged polyethylene microplastics: Isotherms, kinetics and effect of environmental factors

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When plastic waste breaks down in the environment (from sun, acids, or other weathering), its surface changes in ways that make it much better at binding arsenic, a toxic contaminant commonly found in water. This matters because these "aged" microplastics, which are now widespread in our water supplies, could act as carriers that transport arsenic through waterways and potentially into the food chain or drinking water. The findings suggest that weathered microplastics might pose a greater risk for spreading arsenic contamination than fresh plastic particles, though more research is needed to understand what this means for human exposure.

Revealing the key factors of synergistic transport of microplastics and heavy metals in groundwater: Batch experiments, density functional theory calculations, molecular dynamics simulations, and machine learning modeling

Adsorption of Heavy Metal with Aged Microplastic in Groundwater Under Varying Organic Matter Content

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Researchers examined how aged microplastics in groundwater adsorb heavy metals at varying levels of organic matter, finding that microplastics can act as carriers for toxic metals. This means microplastics in drinking water sources may carry additional chemical hazards beyond the plastic particles themselves.

The role of microplastics in altering arsenic fractionation and microbial community structures in arsenic-contaminated riverine sediments

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The addition of microplastics to arsenic-contaminated riverine sediments altered arsenic fractionation and shifted microbial community structures, with biodegradable plastics producing different effects compared to conventional polymers. The study demonstrates that microplastics can modify the environmental behavior of co-existing toxic metals in sediment ecosystems.

Microplastic-Derived Dissolved Organic Matter: Release Pattern, Chemical Properties, Environmental Risk, and Impact on Carbon Cycling

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This review examines microplastic-derived dissolved organic matter (MPs-DOM), which plastic debris releases at an estimated 23,600 tons annually into surface waters, covering its chemical properties, release patterns, and interactions with metals, microorganisms, and the carbon cycle. MPs-DOM represents a largely overlooked secondary pollution pathway through which microplastics extend their environmental impact well beyond the particles themselves.