We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
The retention mechanism of the adherent iron corrosion pipe scale on polystyrene nanoplastics in drinking water distribution systems
AI summary Read the abstract
This study reveals that iron corrosion deposits inside drinking water pipes can actually capture and immobilize polystyrene nanoplastics through multiple chemical bonding mechanisms, preventing them from reaching consumers. However, some iron particles also aggregate with nanoplastics and can be re-released, meaning the rust inside your pipes plays a complex double role — sometimes trapping nanoplastics, sometimes potentially dispersing them further into tap water.
The retention mechanism of iron corrosion pipe scales (ICPS), including the adsorption and the hetero-aggregation/co-sedimentation, on polystyrene nanoplastics (PSNPs) in drinking water distribution systems (DWDSs) was investigated for the first time. Adsorption kinetic results indicated that the equilibrium adsorption capacity was up to 0.244-2.172 mg/cm with the initial PSNPs concentration of 5-50 mg/L. Adsorption kinetics and isotherm results revealed that the adsorption of PSNPs onto adherent ICPS is multilayer involving chemisorption. Adsorption thermodynamic results suggested that this adsorption was spontaneous, exothermic, and entropy-decreasing. Density functional theory calculations revealed that the intermolecular forces between PSNPs and ICPS are the weak C-H···O and O-H···π hydrogen-bonding, strong O-H···O hydrogen-bonding and Fe-O coordination-bonding forces. The residual chlorine in DWDSs enhances the PSNPs adsorption by introducing stronger O-H···Cl and O-H···O hydrogen bonds. The adsorption was driven by both short-range intermolecular forces and long-range Coulomb electrostatic forces. The adsorption will not be significantly inhibited at conventional drinking water pH, ion strength, and organics content ranges. Significant hetero-aggregation/co-sedimentation between the released ICPS nanoparticles and PSNPs was observed. The α-FeOOH and FeO in ICPS dominate this process, while the γ-FeOOH component enhances the dispersion stability of PSNPs. These results improve our understanding of the NPs fate in DWDSs.
More Papers Like This
Occurrence and identification of microplastics retained in corrosion deposits of drinking water transmission pipes
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated corrosion deposits inside drinking water pipes and found that microplastics and nanoplastics become trapped within the porous, rusty buildup. These trapped particles can be released back into the water supply when conditions change, such as during pipe maintenance or water pressure shifts. The study raises concerns about drinking water pipes serving as hidden reservoirs of microplastic contamination.
The effect of adsorption on the fate of colloidal polystyrene microplastics in drinking water distribution system pipe scales
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers detected microplastics in drinking water pipe scale layers and found that adsorption onto pipe scales influences the fate and transport of colloidal microplastics within distribution systems, potentially affecting drinking water quality.
Nanonet trapping for effective removal of nanoplastics by iron coagulation
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists developed a new iron-based water treatment method that creates tiny net-like structures capable of trapping and removing nanoplastics that conventional water treatment cannot filter out. This approach works effectively in real-world water samples and could be adopted by existing water treatment plants, offering a practical way to reduce nanoplastic contamination in drinking water.
Stability of arsenic(Ⅲ, Ⅴ) in galvanized steel pipe scales coexisting with colloidal polystyrene microplastics under drinking water conditions
AI summary Read the abstract
This study found that colloidal polystyrene microplastics entering drinking water distribution systems can disrupt the stability of arsenic in pipe corrosion scales, potentially mobilizing toxic arsenic into tap water. The results highlight a previously unrecognized pathway by which microplastics could indirectly worsen drinking water quality even beyond their own direct effects.
Unveiling the crucial role of iron oxide transformation in simultaneous immobilization of nanoplastics and organic matter
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers tracked how nanoplastics become trapped during the transformation of dissolved iron into crystalline iron oxide minerals, finding that polystyrene nanoplastics become physically encased within forming crystals while humic acid stabilizes the system, creating a durable iron oxide-nanoplastic-organic matter composite that sequesters particles in sediments.
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.