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Evaluation of European watch list contaminants in environmental matrices and microplastics: Analytical strategies, mechanisms of adsorption and occurrence
Summary
This review evaluated how European regulators monitor watch-list contaminants in water, soil, and living organisms, including how these substances interact with microplastics. Researchers found that microplastics can adsorb regulated pollutants through multiple mechanisms, potentially acting as carriers that move chemicals through the environment. The study highlights the need for standardized methods to measure contaminants associated with microplastics in real-world conditions.
The European Union requires environmental monitoring to identify potential pollutants suspected of causing adverse effects, affecting not only aquatic organisms but also posing direct and negatively influence to human health. Comprehensive knowledge about their occurrence and impact of these pollutants in environmental matrices, including microplastics, is essential for informed decision regarding their inclusion in surveillance lists. This study focuses on reviewing and assessing the analytical methodologies employed in determine substances listed in the last 4th European Watch List, in various environmental matrices, including water, soils, biota, and microplastics. Additionally, the different interaction mechanisms of adsorption onto microplastics are discussed. A dedicated section is also addressed to examine the occurrence of these substances in diverse environmental matrices. The findings contribute to a better understanding of the presence and effects of these substances, aiding in the development of effective surveillance strategies to mitigate their impact on the environment. • The 4th European Watch List compounds are widespread in diverse environmental matrices. • The extraction and detection techniques used for these compounds are reviewed. • Their presence is demonstrated in different environmental matrices. • The interaction mechanisms between pollutants and microplastics are studied.