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Desorption of Organotin and Organophosphorus Compounds from Virgin Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Microplastics in Freshwater
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Researchers examined the desorption of organotin compounds (OTCs) and organophosphorus compounds (OPs) from virgin polyvinyl chloride (PVC) microplastics into freshwater, addressing a gap in knowledge compared to prior marine-focused desorption studies. The thesis found that these chemical additives, which are also present in drinking water sources, can leach from PVC microplastics under freshwater conditions, raising concerns for water safety.
Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous in the environment. Health concerns exist regarding chemicals that have been added during plastic production and may desorb from MPs into water. Previous studies have examined desorption of chemical additives from MPs into marine environments, however only limited studies consider freshwaters that also represent sources of drinking water. This thesis examined the desorption of two groups of chemical additives, organotin (OTCs) and organophosphorus compounds (OPs) from virgin polyvinyl chloride (PVC) in artificial freshwater (AFW). Higher desorption was observed when considering smaller size (45 - 125 µm) PVC particles compared to larger (300 - 500 µm) particles. Water quality factors including pH and the presence of chlorine or chloramines were observed to impact OTC desorption. This thesis provides new information regarding the desorption of chemical additives such that potential risks may be better understood when considering freshwater sources of drinking water.
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Researchers studied how organotin compounds leach from polyvinyl chloride microplastics under different light and water conditions. They found that UV and visible light exposure accelerated the release of certain organotin additives while simultaneously degrading others through photochemical reactions. The study demonstrates that environmental factors like salinity and dissolved organic matter significantly influence the rate at which microplastics release potentially harmful chemical additives into water.
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Researchers discovered unanticipated thio-oxidation of organophosphite chemical additives in PVC microplastics after 16 weeks of in-situ river water weathering, revealing that environmental exposure can chemically transform plastic additives in unexpected ways.
Unanticipated Thio-Oxidation of Organophosphite Chemical Additives in PVC Microplastics Following In Situ Weathering
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Researchers performed nontargeted chemical analysis on PVC microplastics after 16 weeks of river water exposure and unexpectedly found three organothiophosphates — including triphenyl thiophosphate — among 2,086 newly formed compounds, suggesting environmental weathering transforms plastic additives into previously unrecognized contaminants.
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