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Continuous long-term monitoring of leaching from microplastics into ambient water – A multi-endpoint approach
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Researchers conducted continuous long-term monitoring of leaching from 16 types of microplastics into water, finding that most released significant dissolved organic carbon and various chemicals, with leaching patterns varying by polymer type and environmental conditions.
Widespread pollution of aquatic environments by microplastics (MPs) is a serious environmental threat. Despite the knowledge of their occurrence and properties rapidly evolving, the potential leaching from MPs remains largely unexplored. In this study, 16 different types of MPs prepared from consumer products were kept in long-term contact with water, while the leachates were continuously analysed. Most of the MPs released significant amounts of dissolved organic carbon, up to approximately 65 mg per g MPs after 12 weeks of leaching, and some MPs also released dissolved inorganic carbon. Other elements identified in the leachates were Al, Ba, Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Si, and Zn. Of those, Ca, K, and Na were detected most frequently, while Ca reached the highest amounts (up to almost 2.5 mg per g MPs). Additionally, 80 organic individuals were tentatively identified in the leachates, mostly esters, alcohols, and carboxylic acids. Some compounds considered harmful to human health and/or the environment were detected, e.g., bisphenol A or phthalate esters. The current results provide insight into the transfer of various compounds from MPs to ambient water, which might have consequences on the fluxes of carbon and metals, as well as of specific organic contaminants.
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Leaching of carbon, metals, and additives from microplastics to water
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Researchers soaked a range of consumer plastic microplastics in water for 12 weeks and found that most released substantial dissolved organic carbon, metals including calcium, iron, and zinc, and dozens of chemical additives — with leaching rates highest in the first few weeks and varying by polymer type.
Microplastic-Derived Dissolved Organic Matter: Release Pattern, Chemical Properties, Environmental Risk, and Impact on Carbon Cycling
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This review examines microplastic-derived dissolved organic matter (MPs-DOM), which plastic debris releases at an estimated 23,600 tons annually into surface waters, covering its chemical properties, release patterns, and interactions with metals, microorganisms, and the carbon cycle. MPs-DOM represents a largely overlooked secondary pollution pathway through which microplastics extend their environmental impact well beyond the particles themselves.
Microplastics release a range of substances into the surrounding water
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Researchers monitored the leaching of chemical substances from microplastics into surrounding water over time, quantifying what compounds are released under aquatic conditions. The study found that microplastics continuously release a range of substances, adding to their environmental hazard beyond physical particle effects.
Microplastics release a range of substances into the surrounding water
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This study monitored the continuous leaching of chemical substances from microplastics into surrounding water, identifying a range of compounds released over time. The findings confirm that microplastics act as a persistent source of chemical contamination in aquatic environments, beyond their direct physical effects.
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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.