We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Revealing the effect of humic substance compounds on the aged characteristics and release compounds profiles from photodegradation of polyethylene microplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
This study investigated how humic substances (humic acid and fulvic acid) — natural organic compounds abundant in water and soil — affect how polyethylene microplastics degrade under UV light and what chemical by-products are released. Humic acid accelerated degradation more than fulvic acid, producing a wider range of oxidised breakdown compounds and releasing siloxane additives from the plastic. The findings matter because microplastics in real environments are always exposed to natural organic matter, which can substantially change both how fast they degrade and what toxic compounds they release.
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of humic substance compounds (humic acid (HA) and fulvic acid (FA)) on the aged characteristics and release compounds profiles from polyethylene microplastics (PE-MPs). Results showed that HA promoted degree of PE-MPs photodegradation with a higher value of weight loss and oxygen atom and lower average particle size (110 μm), compared with the presence of FA during 15 days of irradiation. Likewise, the needle trap microextraction (HS-NTME) combined with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis revealed that HA and FA promoted a variety of oxygen-containing products (carboxyl acid, phenols and ketones) and siloxanes additives released from photodegradation of PE-MPs. Moreover, HA was found to have a higher ability to generate free radicals (▪OH and O2-) than FA, which accelerated the photooxidation of PE-MPs and led to the different mechanisms of photodegradation pathway of PE-MPs. These findings not only shed light on how humic substances affect photodegradation process of MPs, but also support further investigation into the possible hazard of MPs when co-existing compounds exist in the aqueous system.
More Papers Like This
Role of Humic Substances in the (Bio)Degradation of Synthetic Polymers under Environmental Conditions
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines the role of humic substances -- major components of soil organic matter -- in the degradation of synthetic polymers under environmental conditions. The authors discuss how humic substances mediate chemical and biological breakdown of plastics, influencing the formation and persistence of microplastics in soils and aquatic systems.
Change in adsorption behavior of aquatic humic substances on microplastic through biotic and abiotic aging processes
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that both UV irradiation and microbial aging of polyethylene microplastics significantly altered their surface chemistry, changing how aquatic humic substances adsorb onto the plastic surface and highlighting the importance of weathering state in assessing microplastic-contaminant interactions.
Humic Acid and Fulvic Acid Hinder Long-Term Weathering of Microplastics in Lake Water
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that humic acid and fulvic acid in lake water significantly inhibit the photoaging of polypropylene microplastics under UV irradiation, suggesting that natural organic matter may slow microplastic weathering and prolong their persistence in freshwater environments.
Increased bio-toxicity of leachates from polyvinyl chloride microplastics during the photo-aging process in the presence of dissolved organic matter
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated how photo-aging of polyvinyl chloride microplastics is affected by the presence of dissolved organic matter in surface waters. They found that humic acid, a common component of dissolved organic matter, enhanced the degradation of PVC microplastics under light exposure and significantly increased the toxicity of the resulting chemical leachates. The study highlights the importance of considering dissolved organic matter when assessing the ecological risks of microplastic pollution in natural waters.
Significant contribution of different sources of particulate organic matter to the photoaging of microplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers discovered that particulate organic matter from different natural sources can significantly accelerate the aging of microplastics when exposed to UV light. Organic matter from peat soil showed the strongest effect, generating reactive oxygen species that broke down plastic surfaces more quickly. The study suggests that natural organic matter in the environment plays a larger role in microplastic degradation than previously recognized.
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.