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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.
Concern exists regarding potential health impacts associated with contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) that adsorb to microplastics (MPs). Previous studies have examined MPs as potential contaminant vectors in marine environments as opposed to freshwaters that represent drinking water sources. This study examined adsorption of two polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), phenanthrene and fluoranthene, by virgin and weathered polyethylene (PE) in both artificial and natural freshwater matrices. Adsorption kinetics and isotherms conducted in artificial freshwater (AFW) consistently showed higher adsorption onto smaller (200 μm) PE when compared to 1090 μm PE. Adsorption mechanisms were primarily associated with hydrophobic interactions and monolayer chemisorption. As well, environmental factors including dissolved organic matter (DOC), pH, and polymer weathering also impacted adsorption. This work provides new insights regarding the adsorption of organic pollutants to better understand the risk of MPs in drinking water sources.
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Sorption of Pyrene and Fluoranthene onto Common Microplastics Under Freshwater Conditions
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Researchers investigated how two common polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, pyrene and fluoranthene, bind to six different types of microplastic polymers under freshwater conditions. The study found significant differences in sorption capacity across polymer types, confirming that microplastics can act as vectors for transporting harmful organic pollutants through aquatic environments.
Investigation of sorption of environmental pollutants to virgin and aged microplastics
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This research investigated how environmental pollutants such as persistent organic chemicals adsorb onto virgin and weathered plastic particles in natural systems, examining factors such as plastic type, surface aging, and chemical properties. The study contributes to understanding how microplastics act as carriers for toxic contaminants in aquatic environments.
Investigation of adsorption kinetics and capacities of organic pollutants on weathered polyethylene microplastics
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This Croatian-language study examined the adsorption of organic pollutants—including pharmaceuticals and pesticides—onto weathered polyethylene microplastics. UV aging was shown to alter the physical and chemical surface properties of PE, changing its adsorption capacity and potentially increasing its environmental hazard. The work contributes to understanding how plastic weathering in natural environments affects the transport and bioavailability of co-occurring chemical contaminants.
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 in river water: occurrence, weathering, and adsorption behaviour
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Researchers examined microplastics in river water, characterizing their occurrence, degree of weathering, and capacity to adsorb co-contaminants. The study highlights microplastics as vectors that can transport and re-release other pollutants in freshwater systems.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.