We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Insights into the photosensitivity and photobleaching of dissolved organic matter from microplastics: Structure-activity relationship and transformation mechanism
AI summary Read the abstract
This study investigated the photosensitivity and photobleaching behavior of dissolved organic matter released from microplastics (MPDOM), examining how physicochemical properties of different plastics influence photoactivation and transformation. The structure-activity analysis revealed that MPDOM composition strongly determines its photoreactivity, affecting how microplastic-derived organic compounds interact with sunlight and generate reactive oxygen species in aquatic environments.
Revealing the structure-activity relationship between physicochemical properties and photoactivities of microplastic dissolved organic matter (MPDOM) is significant for understanding the environmental fate of MPs. Here, we systematically analyzed the physicochemical properties and molecular composition of DOM derived from MPs including polystyrene (PS), polyethylene glycol terephthalate (PET), polyadipate/butylene terephthalate (PBAT), polylactic acid (PLA), polypropylene (PP), and compared their photosensitivity and photobleaching behaviors. Results indicated that PSDOM and PETDOM had more similar properties and compositions, and showed stronger photosensitivity and photobleaching effects than PBATDOM, PLADOM and PPDOM. The [DOM] and [O] varied in the range of 0.31-13.03 × 10 and 1.71-5.49 × 10 M, respectively, which were within the reported range of DOM from other sources. The SUVA, HIX, AI, Xc and lignin/CRAM-like component showed positive correlation with the [DOM], [O] and Φ. The negative correlation between E/E and [DOM] was due to the higher proportion of low-molecular weight components in MPDOM. The lignin/CRAM-like component was identified to be the crucial photobleaching-component. The lignin/CRAM-like in PSDOM showed a deepened oxidation degree, while its change trend in PETDOM was from unsaturated to saturated. These findings provide new insights into the relevant photochemical fate of MPDOM.
More Papers Like This
Phototransformation and photoreactivity of MPs-DOM in aqueous environment: Key role of MPs structure decoded by optical and molecular signatures
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated how dissolved organic matter released from microplastics behaves during light-driven transformation in water. They found that organic matter from benzene-containing polymers showed distinctly different photoreactivity compared to matter from polyolefin-based plastics. The study reveals that the chemical structure of the parent microplastic plays a key role in determining how its dissolved byproducts react and generate reactive species in aquatic environments.
Photoreactivity of microplastic-derived dissolved organic matter governed by its oxygen-containing functional groups in hydrophobic/hydrophilic fractions rather than molecular weights
AI summary Read the abstract
This study investigated the photoreactivity of dissolved organic matter (DOM) released by degrading microplastics, analyzing how its molecular structure governs how it responds to light. The researchers found that oxygen-containing functional groups in hydrophobic and hydrophilic fractions — rather than molecular weight — were the key drivers of photoreactivity.
Photochemical reactivity of water-soluble dissolved organic matter from microplastics and microfibers
AI summary Read the abstract
When microplastics and microfibers sit in water, they leach dissolved organic matter (DOM) that can react with sunlight to produce reactive chemicals. This study found that the type and amount of DOM released depends heavily on polymer chemistry, with aromatic plastics like PET and polystyrene releasing more light-absorbing DOM, and microfibers releasing more DOM overall than microplastic particles. Understanding how plastic-derived DOM breaks down in sunlight is important because these chemical by-products can interact with other aquatic pollutants and affect aquatic ecosystems in ways not yet fully understood.
Size and Structure-Dependent Molecular Fingerprint Transformation of Microplastic-Derived Dissolved Organic Matter in Sunlit Seawater: Implication for Marine Carbon Cycles
AI summary Read the abstract
This study examined how the size and structure of microplastics influence the photochemical transformation of MP-derived dissolved organic matter under UV irradiation, finding that inherent plastic properties determine the molecular character of DOM released and its effects on ocean carbon cycling.
Photo-induced leaching behaviors and biodegradability of dissolved organic matter from microplastics and terrestrial-sourced particles
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers studied how light exposure causes microplastics and terrestrial particles to leach dissolved organic matter, and how this leachate behaves in the environment. The study found differences in the biodegradability of leachate from plastic versus natural sources, suggesting that microplastic-derived organic matter may persist differently in aquatic ecosystems.
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.