We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Interaction of microplastics with perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances in water: A review of the fate, mechanisms and toxicity
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines how microplastics act as carriers for PFAS ("forever chemicals") in water, with the two pollutants interacting through various chemical mechanisms that affect their movement through the environment. The combined presence of microplastics and PFAS raises concerns about increased toxicity, since microplastics can transport these persistent chemicals into organisms and potentially concentrate their harmful effects.
It is well known that microplastics can act as vectors of pollutants in the environment and are widely spread in freshwater and marine environments. PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances) can remain in the aqueous environment for long periods due to their wide application and good stability. The coexistence of microplastics and PFAS in the aqueous environment creates conditions for their interaction and combined toxicity. Studies on adsorption experiments between them and combined toxicity have been documented in the literature but have not been critically summarized and reviewed. Therefore, in this review, we focused on the interaction mechanisms, influencing factors, and combined toxicity between microplastics and PFAS. It was found that surface complexation may be a new interaction mechanism between microplastics and PFAS. In addition, aged microplastics reduce the adsorption of PFAS due to the presence of oxygenated groups on the surface compared to virgin microplastics. Attached biofilms can increase the adsorption capacity and create conditions for biodegradation. And, the interaction of microplastics and PFAS affects their spatial and temporal distribution in the environment. This review can provide insights into the fate of microplastics and PFAS in the global aquatic environment, fill knowledge gaps on the interactions between microplastics and PFAS, and provide a basic reference for assessing their combined toxicity.
More Papers Like This
Microplastics as carriers of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in aquatic environment: interactions and ecotoxicological effects
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers reviewed how microplastics serve as carriers for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), sometimes called forever chemicals, in aquatic environments. The study found that PFAS can attach to microplastic surfaces and accumulate in organisms through the food chain, potentially amplifying the toxic effects of both pollutants. The findings suggest that the combined presence of microplastics and PFAS poses a greater environmental and health risk than either pollutant alone.
The unheeded inherent connections and overlap between microplastics and poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances: A comprehensive review
AI summary Read the abstract
This review reveals the overlooked connection between microplastics and PFAS (forever chemicals), showing that these two widespread pollutants often come from the same products and interact in the environment. Microplastics can absorb PFAS onto their surfaces and transport them through water systems, potentially increasing exposure for aquatic organisms and humans. Understanding this overlap is important because the combined effects may be more harmful than either pollutant alone.
Molecular-Scale Insights into the Interactions between Perfluoroalkyl Substances and Polyethylene
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists found that tiny plastic particles called microplastics can strongly attract and hold onto toxic "forever chemicals" called PFAS, which are already found in drinking water and food. This means microplastics in our environment could act like sponges that collect these harmful chemicals and potentially transport them to new places, including into our bodies. The research helps explain why these two types of pollution might work together to create bigger health risks than either one alone.
Interaction and combined toxicity of microplastics and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in aquatic environment
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines how microplastics interact with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in aquatic environments and the combined toxic effects on organisms. Researchers found that microplastics can adsorb PFAS chemicals and transport them through water systems, potentially increasing exposure for aquatic life. The study highlights that the combination of these two widespread pollutant types may pose greater ecological risks than either one alone.
Co-accumulation characteristics and interaction mechanism of microplastics and PFASs in a large shallow lake
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined how microplastics and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as forever chemicals, accumulate together in Taihu Lake, China. They found that microplastics can adsorb and concentrate these persistent chemicals on their surfaces, with the interaction strength depending on plastic type and environmental conditions. The study raises concerns that microplastics may act as carriers that spread forever chemicals through freshwater 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.