We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Enlarging effects of microplastics on adsorption, desorption and bioaccessibility of chlorinated organophosphorus flame retardants in landfill soil particle-size fractions
Summary
Researchers studied how microplastics affect the behavior of chlorinated flame retardant chemicals in landfill soils, including their tendency to be absorbed by the human body during digestion. They found that adding microplastics increased both the retention of these chemicals in soil and their bioaccessibility, raising potential health risks for people exposed to contaminated landfill material. The study presents the first evidence that microplastics can amplify human exposure to toxic flame retardants in landfill settings.
Chlorinated organophosphorus flame retardants (Cl-OPFRs) and microplastics (MPs) are emerging pollutants in landfills, but their synergistic behaviors and triggering risks were rarely focused on, impeding the resource utilization of landfill soils. This study systematically investigated the adsorption/desorption behaviors, bioaccessibility and human health risks of Cl-OPFRs in landfill soil particle-size fractions coexisted with MPs under simulated gastrointestinal conditions. The results showed that the adsorption capacity and bioaccessibility of Cl-OPFRs in humus soil were higher than that in subsoil. MPs promoted the adsorption of tris(1-chloro-2-methylethyl) phosphate (TCPP) and tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCPP) in landfill soils by up to 34.6 % and 34.1 % respectively, but inhibited the adsorption of tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP) by up to 43.6 %. The bioaccessibility of Cl-OPFRs in landfill soils was positively correlated with MPs addition ratio but negatively correlated with the K of Cl-OPFRs, soil organic matter and particle size. MPs addition increased the residual concentration of Cl-OPFRs and significantly increased the bioaccessibility of TCEP and TDCPP by up to 33.1 % in landfill soils, resulting in higher carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic risks. The study presents the first series of the combined behavior and effects of MPs and Cl-OPFRs in landfill soils, and provides a theoretical reference for landfill risk management.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Unveiling the Modulatory Role of Microplastics in the Release of Chlorinated Organophosphorus Flame Retardants from Landfill Soils
Microplastics and toxic flame retardants (Cl-OPFRs) often co-exist in landfill soils, and this study reveals that the plastics actually slow down how quickly the chemicals are released into the surrounding environment. The type of plastic matters: polar plastics like PVC and nylon hold onto flame retardants through electrostatic attraction, while non-polar plastics like polyethylene and polypropylene rely on hydrophobic interactions. This finding is important for understanding whether microplastics in landfills are reducing or delaying chemical risks — and whether they might eventually release concentrated bursts of toxic compounds.
Combined toxicity of organophosphate flame retardants and polyethylene microplastics on Eisenia fetida: Biochemical and molecular insights
Researchers exposed earthworms to polyethylene microplastics, chlorinated flame retardants, and their combinations to assess combined toxicity effects. They found that the most toxic flame retardant (TDCPP) had its effects reduced when combined with microplastics, likely because the plastics absorbed the chemical and lowered its bioavailability. In contrast, microplastics enhanced the toxicity of another flame retardant (TCPP), demonstrating that microplastics can act as both carriers and modulators of co-contaminant toxicity in soil ecosystems.
Insight into Bioaccumulation of Decabromodiphenyl Ethane in Eisenia fetida Increased by Microplastics
Researchers found that microplastics made from electronics casings significantly increased the accumulation of a brominated flame retardant chemical in earthworms over time. While the microplastics initially slowed absorption of the chemical, after 28 days they promoted greater bioaccumulation by altering the soil environment and the earthworms' gut bacteria. The study suggests that the co-occurrence of electronic waste microplastics and flame retardants in soil may amplify chemical exposure in soil organisms.
Novel Insights into the Dermal Bioaccessibility and Human Exposure to Brominated Flame Retardant Additives in Microplastics
This study tested how flame retardant chemicals embedded in microplastics can be absorbed through human skin using a lab-based simulation. The researchers found that these toxic additives can leach out of microplastic particles and pass through the skin barrier, with absorption rates varying by plastic type. This reveals a previously underappreciated route of human exposure to harmful chemicals carried by microplastics, especially through skin contact with contaminated dust or surfaces.
Influence of polyethylene-microplastic on environmental behaviors of metals in soil
Researchers investigated how polyethylene microplastics affect the adsorption, desorption, and bioavailability of heavy metals in soil. They found that adding microplastics altered how metals bind to soil particles and increased the mobility of certain metals like cadmium and lead. The study suggests that microplastic contamination in soils may change the environmental behavior of heavy metals, potentially increasing their availability to plants and soil organisms.