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Degradable Microplastics as Vector of Emergent Contaminants in Wastewater: Interactions and Mechanisms of Adsorption
Summary
Degradable microplastics in wastewater can act as carriers for pesticides and other contaminants, adsorbing them from the surrounding water and potentially releasing them again in different environmental conditions such as aeration tanks. This 'Trojan horse' behavior is concerning because microplastics may transport pollutants through wastewater treatment systems that were not designed to capture these combined threats.
Degradable Microplastics as Vector of Emergent Contaminants in Wastewater: Interactions and Mechanisms of AdsorptionAbstractThe study delves into the fundamental aspects of contaminant sorption onto microplastics by examining sorption kinetics and isotherm models. Notably, the research microplastics derived from primary plastics that contain additives. The investigation explores the influence of various conditions, such as ionic strength and pesticide concentration, on the sorption process. Additionally, the study explores the desorption of specific pesticides from plastic to gain insights into how this process unfolds in the environment, considering scenarios such as wastewater mixing or aeration tank exposure to air bubbles.This paper was presented at WEFTEC 2023 in Chicago, IL.SpeakerDjebbari, KhaledPresentation time11:00:0011:30:00Session time10:30:0012:00:00SessionMicroplastics Interaction with Pathogens and Other MicroconstituentsSession locationRoom S502 - Level 5TopicDisinfection and Public Health, Intermediate Level, Microconstituents and Contaminants of Emerging Concern (Non-PFAS), Research and InnovationTopicDisinfection and Public Health, Intermediate Level, Microconstituents and Contaminants of Emerging Concern (Non-PFAS), Research and InnovationAuthor(s)Djebbari, KhaledAuthor(s)K. Djebbari 1; K. Djebbari 1 ; J D’Aleva Bouchain 2; E. Nicholas 3; L. Shor 5; L Baikun 5;Author affiliation(s)Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Connecticut 1; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Connecticut 1 ; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Connecticut 2; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Connecticut 3; Institute of material science, University of Connecticut 5; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Connecticut 5;SourceProceedings of the Water Environment FederationDocument typeConference PaperPublisherWater Environment FederationPrint publication date Oct 2023DOI10.2175/193864718825159184Volume / Issue Content sourceWEFTECCopyright2023Word count15
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