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Accumulation and release of organic pollutants by conventional and biodegradable microplastics in the marine environment
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Researchers examined the ability of conventional and biodegradable microplastics in the marine environment to accumulate and release organic pollutants, finding that both types adsorb contaminants but differ in their release profiles, with biodegradable plastics potentially offering lower long-term pollutant persistence.
Abstract The issue of microplastic (MP) litter in the aquatic environment and its capability of accumulating and/or releasing pollutants has been brought to light in recent years. Biodegradable plastics have been proposed as one of the different solutions to decrease environmental input of discarded plastics; however, their ability to accumulate and release pollutants once in the marine environment has not been assessed yet. In this study, we compare the accumulation and the release of a wide range of compounds by biodegradable (polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) and polybutylene succinate (PBS)) and conventional (polyethylene (PE)) MPs following exposure to natural seawater for 64 days. We quantified polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organophosphorus flame retardants (PFRs), phthalates, and alternative plasticizers in MPs, before and after exposure. Results indicated that PBS- and PHA-MPs accumulated the largest amount of PAHs and PFRs, respectively. Leaching of PFRs and plasticizers was observed for all polymers and was approximately two-fold greater for PE- when compared to PBS- and PHA-MPs. Overall, our study suggests that biodegradable MPs may release less additives and accumulate a larger amount of contaminants from seawater compared to conventional ones: these findings may have implications on the risk assessment of biodegradable polymers for marine biota; and on potential widespread adoption of these types of plastics.
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Accumulation and release of organic pollutants by conventional and biodegradable microplastics in the marine environment
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers compared how biodegradable and conventional microplastics accumulate and release organic pollutants in natural seawater over 64 days. They found that biodegradable plastics like PHA and PBS accumulated similar types and levels of pollutants as conventional polyethylene. The study suggests that switching to biodegradable plastics may not reduce the risk of these materials acting as carriers for toxic chemicals in the marine environment.
Adsorption of organic pollutants on (degradable) microplastics and the influences on their bioavailability
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This study examined how organic pollutants adsorb onto both conventional and biodegradable microplastics, and how degradation of the plastic surface affects adsorption capacity over time. The results show that degradable plastics can also serve as vectors for organic pollutants, challenging the assumption that biodegradable alternatives are environmentally benign.
Sorption of chemical contaminants on degradable and non-degradable microplastics: Recent progress and research trends
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This review compares how both biodegradable and conventional microplastics absorb chemical contaminants like pesticides and heavy metals from the environment. Researchers found that microplastics can act as carriers for hazardous chemicals, and that biodegradable plastics are not necessarily safer in this regard, as they can also concentrate and transport pollutants.
The chemical behaviors of microplastics in marine environment: A review
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This review summarized interactions between microplastics and organic pollutants and metals in the marine environment, covering sorption behavior across polymer types, the role of degradation in altering sorption capacity, and global monitoring data on pollutant concentrations on marine plastics. The authors conclude that microplastic type, pollutant properties, and environmental conditions all strongly influence chemical accumulation on plastic surfaces.
Degradable plastics could help to protect the marine environment: proof based on pollutant surface behaviors
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