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Adsorption of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances and Microcystins by Virgin and Weathered Microplastics in Freshwater Matrices
Summary
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.