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Adsorption of di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) to microplastics in seawater: a comparison between pristine and aged particles
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Natural aging of polyethylene and polystyrene microplastics in seawater over three months increased their adsorption capacity for the plasticizer DEHP compared to pristine particles, due to surface oxidation and biofilm formation. The results indicate that environmentally aged MPs are stronger vectors for hydrophobic contaminants than fresh MPs used in most laboratory studies.
Microplastics (MPs) are a widely distributed pollutant and have been attracting global attention. The increasing abundance of MPs in marine environments has raised concern about their adverse effects on marine organisms and influence on the fate of contaminants in seawater. In this study, we investigated the effects of natural aging on the adsorption of di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), one of the most widely used phthalic acid esters (PAEs), in two types of MPs (polyethylene and polystyrene). Biofilm was observed on the surface of MPs after 3-month exposure in seawater. Atomic force microscopy revealed there were significant physical changes in the MPs after aging. Aging in coastal seawater for 3 months significantly reduced the MPs' surface roughness and adhesion, and increased the Young's modulus at the same time. Adsorption isotherms of DEHP indicated that aged MPs had stronger binding capacity of the organic contaminant than pristine MPs. Our data shed some light on the biogeochemical role of MPs in marine environments.
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This study characterized polyethylene and polystyrene microplastics after one week of natural aging in seawater and measured their adsorption of dibutyl phthalate, a common plasticizer. Natural aging modified microplastic surfaces significantly, altering their adsorption capacity for phthalate contaminants compared to pristine particles.
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UV-accelerated aging of polystyrene and PVC microplastics increased surface oxidation and introduced microcracks, and aged MPs showed significantly increased adsorption of the hydrophilic antibiotic ciprofloxacin compared to virgin MPs. The findings demonstrate that even hydrophilic organic chemicals can accumulate on aged microplastics, expanding the range of compounds that microplastics may carry and deliver to organisms.
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Researchers investigated the desorption of bisphenol A and dibutyl phthalate from polyamide microplastics in freshwater, finding hydrophobicity as the primary driver of plasticizer release. Aging of microplastics via NaClO, Fenton, and UV treatments altered surface properties and modified the desorption behavior of both contaminants under varying water chemistry conditions.
Threat of plastic ageing in marine environment. Adsorption/desorption of micropollutants.
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Three plastic types (PVC, PET, and biodegradable PBAT) were aged in a French bay for 502 days to study how weathering affects their adsorption and release of pollutants. PVC was found to rapidly leach estrogenic compounds into seawater and later adsorb heavy metals, raising concern about the chemical hazards of aged marine plastics.
Desorption of Bisphenol A and Dibutyl Phthalate from the Surfaces of Polyamide Microplastics: Crucial Role of Hydrophobicity
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Researchers investigated the desorption of bisphenol A and dibutyl phthalate from polyamide microplastics in freshwater, finding that hydrophobicity is the primary controlling factor in plasticizer release rates. Aging treatments including NaClO, Fenton, and UV exposure altered microplastic surface properties and subsequently modified desorption behavior of both contaminants.
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