We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Accumulation and release of organic pollutants by conventional and biodegradable microplastics in the marine environment
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers compared how biodegradable and conventional microplastics accumulate and release organic pollutants in natural seawater over 64 days. They found that biodegradable plastics like PHA and PBS accumulated similar types and levels of pollutants as conventional polyethylene. The study suggests that switching to biodegradable plastics may not reduce the risk of these materials acting as carriers for toxic chemicals in the marine environment.
The issue of microplastic (MP) litter in the aquatic environment and its capability of accumulating and/or releasing pollutants has been brought to light in recent years. Biodegradable plastics have been proposed as one of the different solutions to decrease environmental input of discarded plastics; however, their ability to accumulate and release pollutants once in the marine environment has not been assessed yet. In this study, we compare the accumulation and the release of a wide range of compounds by biodegradable (polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) and polybutylene succinate (PBS)) and conventional (polyethylene (PE)) MPs following exposure to natural seawater for 64 days. We quantified polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organophosphorus flame retardants (PFRs), phthalates, and alternative plasticizers in MPs, before and after exposure. Results indicated that PBS- and PHA-MPs accumulated the largest amount of PAHs and PFRs, respectively. Leaching of PFRs and plasticizers was observed for all polymers and was approximately twofold greater for PE- when compared to PBS- and PHA-MPs. Overall, our study suggests that biodegradable MPs may release less additives and accumulate a larger amount of contaminants from seawater compared to conventional ones: these findings may have implications on the risk assessment of biodegradable polymers for marine biota; and on potential widespread adoption of these types of plastics.
More Papers Like This
Accumulation and release of organic pollutants by conventional and biodegradable microplastics in the marine environment
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined the ability of conventional and biodegradable microplastics in the marine environment to accumulate and release organic pollutants, finding that both types adsorb contaminants but differ in their release profiles, with biodegradable plastics potentially offering lower long-term pollutant persistence.
Adsorption of organic pollutants on (degradable) microplastics and the influences on their bioavailability
AI summary Read the abstract
This study examined how organic pollutants adsorb onto both conventional and biodegradable microplastics, and how degradation of the plastic surface affects adsorption capacity over time. The results show that degradable plastics can also serve as vectors for organic pollutants, challenging the assumption that biodegradable alternatives are environmentally benign.
Ecological implications of biodegradable and conventional microplastics: Dissolved organic matter bioavailability and microbial response in marine systems
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers compared the dissolved organic matter released by biodegradable and conventional microplastics and assessed its bioavailability to marine microbial communities. They found that biodegradable plastics like PLA released organic matter that was more readily used by microorganisms, which altered microbial community composition. The study suggests that while biodegradable plastics break down faster, their leached compounds may have distinct and potentially significant ecological effects in marine environments.
Sorption of chemical contaminants on degradable and non-degradable microplastics: Recent progress and research trends
AI summary Read the abstract
This review compares how both biodegradable and conventional microplastics absorb chemical contaminants like pesticides and heavy metals from the environment. Researchers found that microplastics can act as carriers for hazardous chemicals, and that biodegradable plastics are not necessarily safer in this regard, as they can also concentrate and transport pollutants.
Comparing environmental fate and ecotoxicity of conventional and biodegradable plastics: A critical review
AI summary Read the abstract
This review compares biodegradable and conventional plastics and finds that biodegradable plastics do not always fully break down under natural conditions -- instead they often fragment into microplastics and release chemical additives, similar to conventional plastics. Both types can absorb pollutants from the environment and cause toxic effects in living organisms, challenging the assumption that biodegradable plastics are a safe alternative.
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.