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Assessing the interaction between 4-methylbenzylidene camphor and microplastic fibers in aquatic environments: Adsorption kinetics and mechanisms
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Laboratory experiments demonstrated that synthetic microplastic fibers released from textiles readily adsorb the UV filter chemical 4-methylbenzylidene camphor (4-MBC), a compound found in many sunscreens and cosmetics, through electrostatic and hydrophobic bonding mechanisms. This means microplastic fibers in aquatic environments could carry UV-filter contaminants to organisms and ecosystems that would not otherwise be exposed, compounding the pollution risks associated with synthetic textiles.
Wastewater treatment plants play a crucial role in managing environmental pollutants, but they often release persistent contaminants like synthetic microplastic fibers (MPFs) into ecosystems. These microplastics, mainly from the textile industry and domestic washing of synthetic fabrics, are a major type of microplastic found in aquatic environments. Some harmful chemicals have an affinity for these microplastics, making them vectors for contaminants. This study investigates the adsorption of 4-methylbenzylidene camphor (4-MBC), an organic UV filter, onto microplastic fibers from two different sources. Batch experiments conducted at room temperature (25 °C) under laboratory conditions assessed the adsorption kinetics and mechanisms. Morphological and visual characterization of the microplastic fibers was done using optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), revealing diverse shapes, types, and colors. Physico-chemical properties were confirmed through thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The data matched well with the PSO kinetic model and Langmuir isotherm, indicating monolayer chemisorption with equilibrium achieved within 24 h. The adsorption mechanisms involved electrostatic attraction, hydrogen bonding, and π-π interactions. Both types of microplastic fibers exhibited a tendency to adsorb 4-MBC, indicating the significance of this research in understanding the interactions between this compound and various fiber types emphasizing the need for further research under the different environmental conditions.
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This study investigated the adsorption of the UV filter compound 4-methylbenzylidene camphor onto microplastic fibers released from domestic textiles, finding that the compound sorbs readily to synthetic fabric fibers and may be transported and released in aquatic environments.
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