We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastic-derived dissolved organic matter and its biogeochemical behaviors in aquatic environments: A review
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines how microplastics release dissolved organic matter (MP-DOM) as they break down in water, and how these released chemicals affect water ecosystems. MP-DOM can interact with other pollutants and alter carbon cycling in natural waters, with the type and amount varying based on plastic composition and weathering conditions. Understanding what microplastics release into water as they degrade is important because these dissolved chemicals may have their own toxic effects on aquatic life and water quality.
Microplastic-derived dissolved organic matter (MP-DOM) exerts great effects on organic carbon pool and its environmental behaviors in natural waters due to increasing amounts of uncontrolled plastic disposal. However, systematic understanding of chemical composition and environmental impacts of MP-DOM in aquatic systems was limited. In this work, the chemical and molecular structures of MP-DOM derived from diverse characterization methods were examined and synthesized to provide a basis for understanding their environmental processes. Additionally, those factors affecting the quantity and quality of released MP-DOM (e.g., plastic types, water environments, and external weathering conditions) were reviewed. Furthermore, environmental behaviors of MP-DOM including its biological degradation, adsorption on mineral surfaces, and interaction with pollutants, as well as their environmental impacts were comprehensively summarized. Finally, we outlooked the future research directions on MP-DOM studies, aiming to contribute to a deeper understanding of the environmental mechanisms and control of plastic pollution through the analysis of MP-DOM. This review provides information for further understanding the impact of microplastics on natural water, which might have consequences on the fluxes of carbon and biogeochemical behaviors of metal and organic contaminants.
More Papers Like This
Microplastic-derived dissolved organic matter: Generation, characterization, and environmental behaviors
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines how microplastics release dissolved organic matter as they break down in the environment, creating a previously overlooked source of carbon and chemical pollution. Researchers found that this microplastic-derived organic matter can interact with other pollutants, affect water quality, and influence microbial communities. The study highlights a lesser-known dimension of microplastic pollution that could have significant environmental consequences.
Impacts of climatic stressors on dissolved organic matter leaching from microplastics and their effects on biogeochemical processes: A review
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines how microplastics release dissolved organic matter as they break down in the environment, and how climate change may accelerate this process. The chemicals leached from degrading plastics can disrupt microbial communities and natural nutrient cycles, potentially increasing greenhouse gas production and altering the ecosystems that ultimately support our food and water supplies.
Interactions between Microplastics and Dissolved Organic Matter in the Fresh Water Environment
AI summary Read the abstract
This review explores how microplastics interact with dissolved organic matter (DOM) — the complex mixture of carbon compounds found in rivers and lakes — and what that means for freshwater ecosystems. Microplastics readily bind to DOM, altering its distribution in sediments and affecting the microbial communities that depend on it for food and energy. DOM can also change how far microplastics travel and how available they are to aquatic organisms. The interplay between these two classes of contaminant complicates efforts to predict microplastic behavior in the environment.
Molecular-level insights into derivation dynamics of microplastic-derived dissolved organic matter
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers used molecular-level analysis to investigate the formation dynamics of dissolved organic matter derived from microplastics (MPs-DOM) in natural surface waters, finding that this ubiquitous contaminant affects not only aquatic organisms but also undergoes complex chemical transformations that influence its environmental fate and toxicological relevance.
Review of decisive factors for controlling generation and environmental effect of dissolved organic matter from (micro)plastics.
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines the composition, formation mechanisms, and environmental risks of dissolved organic matter (DOM) derived from plastics, identifying key controlling factors such as UV irradiation, temperature, and microbial activity, and assessing DOM's potential ecological impacts including toxicity and facilitation of contaminant transport.
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.