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Unveiling the Modulatory Role of Microplastics in the Release of Chlorinated Organophosphorus Flame Retardants from Landfill Soils
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Microplastics and toxic flame retardants (Cl-OPFRs) often co-exist in landfill soils, and this study reveals that the plastics actually slow down how quickly the chemicals are released into the surrounding environment. The type of plastic matters: polar plastics like PVC and nylon hold onto flame retardants through electrostatic attraction, while non-polar plastics like polyethylene and polypropylene rely on hydrophobic interactions. This finding is important for understanding whether microplastics in landfills are reducing or delaying chemical risks — and whether they might eventually release concentrated bursts of toxic compounds.
Landfills are significant reservoirs of chlorinated organophosphorus flame retardants (Cl-OPFRs) and microplastics (MPs), yet their interactions remain unclear. This study systematically revealed that MPs in landfill soils significantly inhibited the release of Cl-OPFRs, with a dose-dependent effect (up to 27.69% reduction). Release kinetics followed the pseudo-second-order kinetics (R = 0.747-0.986), indicating chemically controlled processes. Molecular modeling confirmed that polar interactions governed the adsorption of Cl-OPFRs onto polar MPs (PA, PVC), while hydrophobic interactions prevailed for non-polar MPs (PE, PP). Ionic strength showed a non-monotonic effect, with low levels (0.01-0.1 M NaCl) enhancing the release process through competitive adsorption, whereas a high levels suppressed it via salting-out and double-layer compression. Both acidic and alkaline conditions promoted the release of Cl-OPFRs, likely resulting from changes surface charges and competitive ion effects. Fulvic acid showed a concentration-dependent dual effect. Critically, structural equation modeling identified ionic strength and soil organic matter as the primary factor governing the release of hydrophilic and hydrophobic Cl-OPFRs, respectively. These findings provide mechanistic insights essential for assessing the mobility and risks of Cl-OPFRs in MPs-contaminated landfills.
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Enlarging effects of microplastics on adsorption, desorption and bioaccessibility of chlorinated organophosphorus flame retardants in landfill soil particle-size fractions
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Researchers studied how microplastics affect the behavior of chlorinated flame retardant chemicals in landfill soils, including their tendency to be absorbed by the human body during digestion. They found that adding microplastics increased both the retention of these chemicals in soil and their bioaccessibility, raising potential health risks for people exposed to contaminated landfill material. The study presents the first evidence that microplastics can amplify human exposure to toxic flame retardants in landfill settings.
Influence of polyethylene microplastics on the sorption of organic contaminants in soils
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A study examined how polyethylene microplastics in soil alter the sorption of organic contaminants, addressing concerns about microplastics acting as vectors for persistent pollutants in terrestrial environments. Results showed that microplastics can change the distribution and bioavailability of co-occurring organic chemicals in soil.
From Release to Transformation: Elucidating the Microplastic-Facilitated Fate of Brominated Additives in Soil
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Microplastics in soil don't just sit there — they can carry toxic flame retardant chemicals (found in old electronics and furniture) deeper into the ground and even help break them down into new byproducts, some of which may be more toxic and longer-lasting than the originals. This matters because these chemicals can end up in groundwater or crops, meaning plastic pollution in soil could be creating hidden new chemical hazards we haven't fully accounted for.
Landfill aging enhances chlorinated organophosphate adsorption on microplastics: Mechanistic insights and elevated risks for biodegradable polymers
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As microplastics break down in landfills over time, they actually become better at soaking up toxic flame-retardant chemicals, and surprisingly, "biodegradable" plastics absorb even more of these chemicals than regular plastic does after aging. This matters because these contaminated plastic particles can leach into surrounding water and soil, meaning the eco-friendly plastics we're switching to may not be as safe for the environment (and potentially our health, since these chemicals can travel up the food chain) as we assumed.
Aging-dependent cotransport of microplastics and plastic additives in soil: Contrasting vector roles, interfacial interactions, and remobilization risks.
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Weathered microplastics in landfills and soil can act like tiny taxis, carrying harmful chemicals such as BPA deeper underground toward groundwater supplies. The study found that how "aged" the plastic is, and what type it is, changes whether it traps pollutants or releases them again, meaning drinking water contamination risks may be harder to predict than previously thought.
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