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UV aging induces colloidal-like behavior in microplastics, mediating contaminant fluxes across interfaces
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Researchers showed that UV aging and mechanical stress transform polyethylene microplastics into reactive porous particles with colloidal behavior, developing surface oxidation, increased roughness, and trace metal accumulation — changes that alter how they transport contaminants across water-sediment interfaces.
Microplastics (MPs) are often regarded as pollutants vectors, yet they undergo substantial physicochemical transformations in aquatic environments. Here, we reveal how photo-oxidation (UVs) and mechanical stress transform polyethylene-based-MPs into reactive porous particles with colloidal behaviors. Using multiscale imaging, spectroscopy, and electrokinetic analyses, we show that aged MPs (100 ± 200 µm) develop dual porosity, pronounced surface oxidation (carbonyl index 2 ± 2), and increased roughness (Ra 13 ± 5 µm). Trace elements like titanium, chromium, and iron persist within the particles and accumulate at their surface. These changes modulate their behavior: in freshwater, negative surface charges (ζ ≈ -32 mV) promote dispersion and additive release, while in brackish and sea waters, charge screening triggers aggregation and sedimentation independent of biofilm growth. Our findings redefine MPs as dynamic and reactive entities, capable of transporting legacy additives and metals vertically and laterally through aquatic systems and into the atmosphere.
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The influence of oxidation and hydrophobic coupling on the transport behavior of polyethylene microplastics: The synergistic effect of ultraviolet aging and surfactants
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Researchers investigated how ultraviolet aging and surfactant attachment interact to influence the transport behavior of polyethylene microplastics, finding that UV oxidation increases oxygen-containing surface groups and reduces hydrophobicity, which in turn alters surfactant adsorption and modifies particle mobility in environmental systems. The study addresses a gap in understanding the coupled effects of oxidative aging and surface chemistry on microplastic transport.
Change in adsorption behavior of aquatic humic substances on microplastic through biotic and abiotic aging processes
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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.
Simultaneous sorption behaviors of UV filters on the virgin and aged micro-high-density polyethylene under environmental conditions.
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Researchers studied how UV filter chemicals from sunscreens adsorb onto both virgin and aged high-density polyethylene microplastics. They found that aged, weathered microplastics had greater capacity to accumulate UV filter compounds than fresh plastic due to changes in surface chemistry. This suggests that environmental aging of plastics increases their ability to transport chemical contaminants.
Progress on the photo aging mechanism of microplastics and related impact factors in water environment
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This review examined the photo-aging mechanisms of microplastics in aquatic environments, finding that solar UV radiation drives oxidation reactions that alter surface chemistry, fragment particles further, and enhance their capacity to adsorb and release co-occurring pollutants.
Aging characteristics of polylatic acid microplastics and their adsorption on hydrophilic organic pollutants: mechanistic investigations and theoretical calculations
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Researchers characterized how polylactic acid microplastics undergo UV and thermal aging in aquatic environments, finding that aging altered surface chemistry, increased hydrophilicity, and enhanced adsorption of heavy metal pollutants—raising concerns about aged biodegradable plastics as carriers of co-contaminants.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.