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Effect of ultraviolet aged polytetrafluoroethylene microplastics on copper bioavailability and Microcystis aeruginosa growth
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This study found that polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE, the material in Teflon) microplastics increased the availability of toxic copper to algae in water, promoting harmful algal blooms. Interestingly, UV aging of the microplastics reduced some of their toxic effects on algae. The research highlights how microplastics can change the behavior of other pollutants in water, potentially worsening environmental contamination that ultimately affects human water sources.
Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous in aquatic environments, which can act as carriers to affect the bioavailability of heavy metals. The aging process in the environment changes the physicochemical properties of MPs, thereby affecting their environmental behavior and co-toxicity with other pollutants. However, relevant research is limited. In this study, we compared the properties and Cu adsorption capacity of pristine and aged polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) MPs and further explored the influence on copper bioavailability and bio-effects on Microcystis aeruginosa. Aging process induced surface oxidation and cracks of PTFE MPs, and decreased the stability of MPs in water by increasing zeta potential. PTFE MPs had a strong adsorption capacity for Cu and increased the bioavailability of copper to microalgae, which was not affected by the aging process. Pristine and aged PTFE MPs adhered to cyanobacterium surfaces and caused shrinkage and deformation of cells. Inhibition of cyanobacterium growth, photosynthesis and reduction of total antioxidant capacity were observed in the treatment of PTFE MPs. Combined exposure of pristine MPs and Cu had stronger toxic effects to cyanobacterium, and increased Microcystin-LR release, which could cause harm to aquatic environment. Aging reduced the toxic effects of PTFE MPs on microalgae. Furthermore, soluble exopolysaccharide (EPS) content was significantly higher in co-exposure of aged MPs and Cu, which could reduce the toxicity to cyanobacterium cells. These results indicate that aging process alleviates the toxicity to microalgae and environmental risks caused by PTFE MPs. This study improves understanding of the combined toxicity of aged MPs and metals in freshwater ecosystems.
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Interfacial interactions of polyethylene terephthalate microplastics and malachite green, tetracycline in aqueous environments
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This study examined how UV aging changes the surface properties of polyethylene terephthalate microplastics and how those changes affect their ability to adsorb pollutants like malachite green and tetracycline. Researchers found that aged microplastics showed increased adsorption capacity, and the co-presence of copper ions further influenced these interactions in aqueous environments.
Adsorption behavior of Cu(II) on UV-aged polyethylene terephthalate and polypropylene microplastics in aqueous solution
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Researchers studied how UV aging changes the ability of PET and polypropylene microplastics to adsorb copper ions from water. UV exposure altered the surface properties of both plastics, increasing their capacity to bind heavy metals compared to pristine particles. The findings suggest that weathered microplastics in the environment may be more effective at concentrating toxic metals, potentially increasing ecological risks in contaminated waterways.
Aged microplastics decrease the bioavailability of coexisting heavy metals to microalga Chlorella vulgaris
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Researchers studied how aged (environmentally weathered) microplastics interact with heavy metals copper and cadmium in their effects on green algae. They found that while both microplastics and heavy metals individually inhibited algal growth, combining aged microplastics with heavy metals actually reduced the toxicity of the metals. The study suggests that aged microplastics can adsorb heavy metals from water, decreasing their availability to organisms, though the microplastics themselves still pose a separate toxic threat.
Adsorption properties and mechanism of Cu(Ⅱ) on virgin and aged microplastics in the aquatic environment
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This study examined how UV aging of polyamide (PA) and polylactic acid (PLA) microplastics affects their ability to adsorb copper (Cu II) from water. UV aging increased surface area and altered surface chemistry, making aged microplastics better carriers of copper contamination — raising concerns that weathered plastics in the environment may concentrate and transport heavy metals more effectively than fresh plastics.
Enhanced copper adsorption by polyamide and polylactic acid microplastics: The role of biofilm development and chemical aging
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Researchers studied how chemical aging and biofilm growth on polyamide and polylactic acid microplastics changed their ability to absorb copper from water. Both processes significantly increased the surface area and chemical reactivity of the plastics, making them absorb substantially more copper than fresh microplastics. The study suggests that as microplastics age and develop biofilms in natural waterways, they become increasingly effective at concentrating heavy metals, potentially altering how these contaminants move through aquatic environments.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.