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Pollution characteristics and release mechanism of microplastics in a typical end-of-life vehicle (ELV) recycling base, East China
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This study conducted a comprehensive analysis of microplastic distribution in a typical end-of-life vehicle recycling facility, characterizing the types, sizes, and spatial distribution of microplastics generated during vehicle shredding and parts dismantling. The findings identified the recycling base as a significant and understudied source of microplastic emissions.
Microplastics (MPs) is a novel and significant pollution due to its eco-environmental hazards and ubiquity. In end-of-life vehicle (ELV) recycling base, MPs are widely distributed but have rare reported in scientific literature. In this study, a comprehensive analysis of MPs was conducted in a typical ELV recycling base. MPs were found in all samples at different sampling sites and environmental mediums. A total of 34 polymer types were detected by μ-FTIR, and the main polymers include PE-PP, ABS, polyester resin, nylon, and PEU plastic. MPs were released from the crushing, tearing, and breaking of plastic parts in ELVs. They were in high content in ground dust, with the abundance of 737-29,021 p/5 g D (the average abundance of 5552 ± 6435 p/5 g D). The abundance, shape, color, and size of MPs are related with functional areas of ELV recycling. Heavy metals could be adsorbed on MPs, and their contents on MPs have a significant correlation with those in the corresponding dust samples. At last, some specific MPs control measures, such as changing transportation mode, using dust-proof cloths, and equipping dust removal equipment, have been put forward.
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