We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Fenton-based aging of low-density polyethylene microplastics and their adsorptive interactions with ofloxacin: kinetics and isotherm studies
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists found that when plastic bags (LDPE) break down in water treatment processes designed to remove pollutants, the resulting microplastic fragments actually become better at soaking up antibiotics like ofloxacin from water. This matters because these "weathered" microplastics could act like tiny sponges, ferrying antibiotics and other contaminants through our water systems and potentially into our bodies, meaning cleanup efforts might unintentionally make microplastic pollution more harmful rather than less.
Microplastics (MPs) are emerging as dynamic pollutants, whose surface properties evolve through aging and influencing their interactions with coexisting contaminants. This study investigated the oxidative aging of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) MPs via the Fenton process and their adsorption behavior toward the antibiotic ofloxacin (OFL). Optimized aging conditions significantly enhanced LDPE surface functionality, reflected by an increase in the carbonyl index from 0.221 to 0.932. Functional characteristics have confirmed the formation of oxygenated groups and morphological analysis revealed increment in roughness and crystallinity. Compared to pristine MPs, aged MPs demonstrated higher adsorption capacity for OFL, reaching equilibrium within 24 h. Maximum adsorption was found at neutral pH, due to the balance of hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions. Kinetic modeling followed the pseudo-second-order model. Freundlich and Dubinin–Radushkevich isotherm models better described the process, indicating heterogeneous multilayer physisorption with enhanced capacity upon aging. These results suggest that advanced oxidation processes, though effective for treatment, may unintentionally enhance MP reactivity and their role in contaminant transport. Overall, this work contributes to a deeper understanding of the evolving role of microplastics in aquatic pollution dynamics and highlights the need for integrated approaches to mitigate their environmental impact.
More Papers Like This
Investigation of the Adsorption of Norfloxacin by Biodegradable and Non-biodegradable Microplastics Aged by Chemical Oxidation
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers chemically aged three types of microplastics—biodegradable PLA, PET, and polypropylene—and found that aging significantly increased their capacity to adsorb norfloxacin antibiotic, with aged PLA showing the greatest enhancement due to increased surface area and roughness. These results show that environmentally weathered microplastics act as more effective vectors for antibiotic transport in water systems, potentially worsening co-contamination risks for aquatic life and human health.
Interaction Between Polyurethane Microplastics and Ciprofloxacin: A Study on Adsorption Behaviour and Ecological Implications
AI summary Read the abstract
Polyurethane microplastics adsorb the antibiotic ciprofloxacin, creating combined pollutant complexes with potential ecological implications for aquatic environments. This interaction highlights how microplastics can serve as carriers for toxic co-contaminants, amplifying environmental risks beyond what either pollutant poses alone.
Interaction Between Polyurethane Microplastics and Ciprofloxacin: A Study on Adsorption Behaviour and Ecological Implications
AI summary Read the abstract
Polyurethane microplastics demonstrate significant adsorption capacity for the antibiotic ciprofloxacin, suggesting that plastic particles in aquatic environments can act as vectors for pharmaceutical pollutants. This interaction raises ecological concerns about the combined toxicity of microplastic-antibiotic complexes in waterways and their potential impacts on aquatic organisms and antimicrobial resistance.
Adsorption behaviors and mechanisms of azithromycin on degradable and non-degradable microplastics aged with UV/sodium percarbonate
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists found that when microplastics (both regular plastic and "eco-friendly" biodegradable plastic) get weathered by sunlight and cleaning chemicals used in wastewater treatment, their surfaces become rougher and chemically altered, making them up to 4 times better at soaking up azithromycin, a common antibiotic that surged in use during COVID-19. This matters because these antibiotic-loaded microplastics could act as carriers, potentially transporting drugs through water systems and the environment in ways that aren't fully understood yet, including possibly contributing to antibiotic resistance or human exposure down the line.
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.