We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Adsorption of a Mixture of Daily Use Pharmaceuticals on Pristine and Aged Polypropylene Microplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
This study examined polypropylene microplastics as carriers for a mixture of daily-use pharmaceuticals including antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and other compounds under simulated environmental conditions. Polypropylene microplastics adsorbed all tested pharmaceuticals, with adsorption capacity and kinetics varying by compound, confirming that environmental microplastics can act as vectors concentrating multiple pharmaceutical contaminants simultaneously.
The main goal of this study is the examination of polypropylene (PP) microplastics (MPs) as possible carriers of daily use pharmaceutical compounds. The selected compounds can be separated into three groups: (i) antibiotics (Trimethoprim, Metronidazole, Indomethacin, Isoniazid), (ii) anti-inflammatories (Ketoprofen, Diclofenac), and (iii) anti-hypertensive (Valsartan). Two types of PP MPs (virgin and UV-aged) were used in the experimental procedure, and the effect of time and the effect of the initial concentrations of the drugs were examined. The impact of various environmental factors such as pH, salinity, and natural organic matter were also explored. The last two factors were studied using real aqueous matrices such as wastewater and seawater. According to the obtained results, the highest uptake was observed in indomethacin (9.3 mg/g) and diclofenac (7.3 mg/g), owing to their physiochemical properties. Aged particles showed enhanced adsorption ability in accordance with the existing literature, as their adsorption capacity was between 0.5–1.5 times greater than that of the virgin ones. Regarding the desorption of compounds from the virgin and aged PP MPs at three different pH values, diclofenac and indomethacin exhibited the highest desorption capacity, while alkaline conditions favored the desorption ability of PP MPs for most of the target compounds.
More Papers Like This
Sorption of selected pharmaceutical compounds on polyethylene microplastics: Roles of pH, aging, and competitive sorption
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that polyethylene microplastics adsorb pharmaceutical compounds including an antibiotic, a beta-blocker, and an antidepressant, with sorption capacity influenced by pH, aging of the plastic, and competition between compounds — raising concern about microplastics as carriers of pharmaceuticals in aquatic environments.
Assessing the adsorption of a diverse range of pharmaceuticals to virgin and aged poly (ethylene terephthalate) microplastics in different environmental matrices
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers studied the adsorption of a mixture of pharmaceuticals — including anti-inflammatory drugs diclofenac and ketoprofen, anti-hypertensive valsartan, and four antibiotics — onto both virgin and aged PET microplastics, providing the first multi-drug adsorption assessment on PET under realistic environmental conditions.
Sorption and desorption of selected pharmaceuticals by polyethylene microplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers tested the sorption and desorption of three pharmaceuticals — sulfamethoxazole, propranolol, and sertraline — onto polyethylene microplastics in water, finding that all three compounds sorbed to the plastic surface and were only partially released over time. The results suggest microplastics can act as vectors for pharmaceutical compounds in aquatic environments, potentially affecting their bioavailability.
Adsorption of a diverse range of pharmaceuticals to polyethylene microplastics in wastewater and their desorption in environmental matrices
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated how polyethylene microplastics adsorb pharmaceuticals in municipal wastewater and release them in environmental and biological fluids. They found that drug adsorption depended heavily on the compound's charge and hydrophobicity, with cationic and hydrophobic drugs adsorbing most readily. The study suggests that microplastics could act as vectors for certain pharmaceuticals, potentially transporting them through waterways and into organisms.
Investigating the Sorption of Pharmaceutical and Personal Care Products on High-Density Polyethylene and Polypropylene Microplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated the sorption behavior of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) on high-density polyethylene and polypropylene microplastics in aquatic systems. They found that microplastics adsorb PPCPs to concentrations orders of magnitude higher than the surrounding water, demonstrating that plastic particles act as concentrators and potential vectors for pharmaceutical contaminants in aquatic environments. The study adds to evidence that microplastics amplify co-contaminant exposure risks for aquatic organisms.
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.