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Adsorption of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances and Microcystins by Virgin and Weathered Microplastics in Freshwater Matrices
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Researchers examined the adsorption of long-chain and short-chain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and cyanobacterial microcystins by both virgin and weathered microplastics in freshwater matrices. The study found that microplastic weathering and polymer type influenced sorption capacity, with implications for the co-transport of persistent organic contaminants and cyanotoxins in drinking water source environments.
Microplastics and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) both represent persistent environmental contaminants that have been associated with human health risks. Microcystins are naturally occurring cyanobacterial toxins that may be present in drinking water sources. Recent concerns have emerged regarding the ability of microplastics to adsorb various types of organic contaminants, including PFAS and microcystins. This study examined the adsorption of two long-chain and two short-chain PFAS by virgin microplastics, as well as two common microcystins by both virgin and weathered microplastics in freshwater. Results indicate adsorption to be driven by specific types of polymers and dominated by hydrophobic interactions. Weathering may decrease adsorption of microcystins by introducing hydrophilic oxygen-containing groups to microplastic surfaces. This is the first known study to determine if PFAS and microcystins may be concentrated by microplastics in freshwater when considering environmentally relevant concentrations while also addressing questions regarding weathered microplastics.
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Adsorption of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) and Microcystins by Virgin and Weathered Microplastics in Freshwater Matrices
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Researchers studied whether microplastics can absorb two types of harmful water contaminants: PFAS (so-called forever chemicals) and microcystin toxins produced by algae. They found that weathered microplastics adsorbed significantly more of these pollutants than pristine ones, and that environmental water conditions influenced the absorption process. The study suggests that microplastics in freshwater may concentrate and transport multiple types of dangerous chemicals simultaneously.
Adsorption of cyanotoxins on polypropylene and polyethylene terephthalate: Microplastics as vector of eight microcystin analogues
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Eight microcystin analogues were tested for adsorption onto polypropylene and polyethylene terephthalate microplastics, finding that these common plastics can bind cyanotoxins from freshwater environments. The study identifies microplastics as potential vectors for cyanobacterial toxins in lakes and reservoirs, with implications for drinking water safety.
Sorption of the common freshwater cyanotoxin microcystin to microplastics
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Researchers demonstrated that microplastics from freshwater environments can adsorb the harmful algal bloom toxin microcystin onto their surfaces, potentially concentrating the toxin and altering its environmental fate. This finding suggests that microplastics in lakes with cyanobacterial blooms may act as carriers for toxins that affect fish, wildlife, and humans.
Adsorption of fluoranthene and phenanthrene by virgin and weathered polyethylene microplastics in freshwaters
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Researchers examined how virgin and weathered polyethylene microplastics adsorb fluoranthene and phenanthrene in freshwater, finding that weathering significantly increased adsorption capacity and that water chemistry influenced contaminant uptake.
Adsorption of perfluoroalkyl substances on microplastics under environmental conditions
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Researchers examined the capacity of three types of microplastics to sorb 18 perfluoroalkyl substances from freshwater and seawater. They found that perfluorosulfonates and sulfonamides had the strongest tendency to adsorb onto microplastics, with polystyrene showing greater affinity for these chemicals than polyethylene. The study suggests that microplastics in aquatic environments can concentrate harmful PFAS compounds, potentially increasing exposure for organisms that ingest them.
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