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Migration of natural organic matter and Pseudomonas fluorescens-associated polystyrene on natural substrates in aquatic environments
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This study examined how a coating of natural organic matter or bacterial biofilm changes the way microplastic particles attach to and move through aquatic surfaces, finding that both coatings altered particle behavior in ways that depended on water salt concentration. Understanding how environmental coatings affect microplastic transport helps predict where particles will ultimately end up — and which organisms are most likely to be exposed.
This study investigated the migration behavior of microplastics (MPs) covered with natural organic matter (NOM) and biofilm on three substrates (silica, Pseudomonas fluorescent and Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms) in various ionic strengths, focusing on the alterations in surface properties based on surface energy theory that affected their deposition and release processes. Peptone and Pseudomonas fluorescens were employed to generate NOM-attached and biofilm-coated polystyrene (PS) (NOM-PS and Bio-PS). NOM-PS and Bio-PS both exhibited different surface properties, as increased roughness and particle sizes, more hydrophilic surfaces and altered zeta potentials which increased with ionic strength. Although the deposition of NOM-PS on biofilms were enhanced by higher ionic strengths and the addition of Ca, while Bio-PS deposited less on biofilms and more on the silica surface. Both types exhibited diffusion-driven adsorption on the silica surface, with Bio-PS also engaging in synergistic and competitive interactions on biofilm surfaces. Release tests revealed that NOM-PS and Bio-PS were prone to release from silica than from biofilms. The Extended Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek (XDLVO) theory furtherly demonstrated that mid-range electrostatic (EL) repulsion had significantly impacts on NOM-PS deposition, and structural properties of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and substrate could affect Bio-PS migration.
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Exploring different effects of biofilm formation and natural organic matter adsorption on the properties of three typical microplastics in the freshwater
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Researchers compared how natural biofilm growth versus dissolved organic matter adsorption changes the surface properties of three common microplastics in freshwater. Biofilm formation deposited more material and reduced surface area, while organic matter adsorption created pores and cracks that actually increased surface area, indicating early-stage plastic degradation. Both processes reduced the water-repelling properties of the plastics, which affects how microplastics behave and move through aquatic environments.
Effects of organic matter on interaction forces between polystyrene microplastics: An experimental study
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Researchers examined how organic matter in seawater affects the aggregation and adhesion forces between polystyrene microplastics, finding that organic coatings alter surface interaction forces in ways that influence whether microplastics clump together and sink or remain dispersed in the water column.
Biofouling, particle morphology, and exposure reshape the threshold of microplastic incipient motion
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Scientists found that when microplastics develop a slimy layer of bacteria and algae (called biofilm) in rivers and oceans, it changes how easily they get swept up and moved by water currents—similar to how a rougher surface affects grip. This matters because understanding where microplastics travel and settle helps researchers predict where these pollutants build up in waterways, which is a key step in figuring out how they might eventually reach our food and water supplies.
Impact of Biofilm Formation on Microplastic Behaviour in Aquatic Environments: An Comprehensive Review.
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This review examines how biofilms — communities of microorganisms that coat microplastics — change the behavior of plastic particles in aquatic environments, affecting how they move, sink, and interact with ecosystems. Understanding biofilm formation on microplastics is key to predicting where these particles end up and what risks they pose to water quality and aquatic life.
Transport of eco-corona coated nanoplastics in coastal sediments
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Researchers investigated how different surface properties and eco-corona coatings affect the transport of polystyrene nanoplastics through coastal marine sediments. They found that negatively charged particles moved more easily through sediment than positively charged ones, while strong aggregation essentially immobilized unmodified particles. The formation of natural organic coatings on nanoplastics had opposing effects depending on surface charge, sometimes enhancing and sometimes inhibiting transport.
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