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Sorption kinetics, isotherms and molecular dynamics simulation of 17β-estradiol onto microplastics
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Researchers investigated the adsorption of the endocrine disruptor 17-beta-estradiol onto three common microplastics using kinetic experiments and molecular dynamics simulations, finding that hydrophobic interactions drive sorption and that polymer type significantly influences adsorption capacity.
Microplastic is a new type of pollutant, which can act as a carrier for organic contaminants. It affects the migration and bioavailability of chemicals and potentially threatens the ecology. This work investigated the adsorption kinetics, isotherm and influencing factors of 17β-estradiol (E2) on three dominate microplastics. Then, used molecular dynamics (MD) simulation to analyze the adsorption mechanism. The results showed that E2 adsorption onto microplastics conformed well to the Pseudo-second-order kinetics and Redlich-Petersen isotherm model. The adsorption capacity of E2 on microplastics was polyethylene (PE) > polypropylene (PP) > polystyrene (PS). The small particle size of microplastics was conducive to the adsorption due to its large specific surface area. The thermodynamic parameters demonstrated the adsorption of E2 was a spontaneous and exothermic process, so low temperature was benefit for the adsorption. The MD simulation results indicated the adsorption of E2 on MPs belonged to surface adsorption. The order of E2 adsorption energy by three microplastics obtained by molecular dynamics simulation is consistent with the experimental results. This work may help to understand the molecular adsorption process and provide a theoretical basis for the combined ecotoxicity of microplastics.
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Hydrophobic sorption behaviors of 17β-Estradiol on environmental microplastics
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Researchers studied the sorption behavior of the estrogen 17beta-estradiol onto five types of microplastics in marine water, finding hydrophobic interactions dominated and that microplastics could serve as vectors concentrating this endocrine disruptor.
Adsorption and Desorption of Steroid Hormones by Microplastics in Seawater
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Researchers evaluated the adsorption and desorption of the steroid hormones 17β-estradiol (E2) and 17α-ethynylestradiol (EE2) onto microplastics in seawater, finding that polymer type, particle size, salinity, pH, and humic acid concentration all influenced sorption behavior. The study provides mechanistic data relevant to assessing microplastics as vectors for endocrine-disrupting compounds in marine environments.
Sorption and bioacessibility of 17β-Estradiol on Environmental Microplastics: Particle Size, Aging, Competitive Interactions and Co-exposure
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This study investigated the sorption of the hormone 17β-estradiol onto polyethylene terephthalate and polyethylene microplastics, examining how particle size and aging affect sorption capacity and co-exposure toxicity. Smaller and aged MPs showed higher estrogen sorption, increasing the potential for MPs to act as vectors for hormonal contaminants in aquatic environments.
Interfacial sorption of 17β-E2 on nano-microplastics: Effects of particle size, functional groups and hydrochemical conditions
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This study examined how nanoscale polystyrene particles — a form of nanoplastic — bind to 17β-estradiol, a natural estrogen that is also an emerging environmental contaminant. Smaller particles adsorbed more of the hormone due to their larger surface area, and surface chemistry played a key role: hydrophobic (water-repelling) surfaces bound more estrogen than particles modified with polar chemical groups. The findings suggest that nanoplastics in water bodies could act as vectors, concentrating and transporting hormones to fish and other aquatic life, potentially amplifying endocrine disruption.
Studies on competitive adsorption characteristics of bisphenol A and 17α-ethinylestradiol on thermoplastic polyurethane by site energy distribution theory
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This study examined how two common endocrine-disrupting chemicals — bisphenol A (BPA) and the synthetic hormone 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2) — adsorb onto thermoplastic polyurethane microplastics in both single and mixed solutions, finding that BPA and EE2 compete for adsorption sites in ways that alter each compound's uptake. The findings matter because microplastics act as carriers for hazardous chemicals, and understanding competitive adsorption helps predict how contaminated plastics transport hormone-disrupting pollutants through aquatic environments.
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