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Desorption of Organotin and Organophosphorus Compounds from Virgin Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Microplastics in Freshwater
Summary
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.