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Organic pollutants adsorbed on microplastics: Potential indicators for source appointment of microplastics
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Researchers investigated whether the organic pollutants stuck to the surface of microplastics could help trace where those microplastics originally came from. They analyzed pollutant profiles on microplastics from different environments and found distinct chemical signatures tied to specific pollution sources. The study suggests that examining adsorbed chemicals on microplastics could serve as a practical tool for identifying and controlling microplastic emissions.
Pollution by microplastics (MPs) has caused potential threats to the environment. Understanding the sources of MPs in the environment can help control their emissions and reduce environmental risks. Source apportionment of MPs has been conducted according to the characteristics of MPs themselves (such as types of polymers and morphological characteristics). However, the specificity and resolution of the appointments of sources need to be improved. Organic pollutants adsorbed on MPs can be used as a novel and reliable indicator to identify the source of MPs in the environment. In the present work, the analytical methods of MPs and organic pollutants adsorbed on MPs were critically reviewed, and the occurrence of organic pollutants and factors influencing their adsorption on MPs were discussed. Furthermore, the potential applications of organic pollutants adsorbed on MPs as indicators for determining the sources of MPs were highlighted. The study would help recognize the sources of MPs, which will support efforts aimed at reducing their emissions and further pollution of the ecosystem.
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