We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Study of the scavenger and vector roles of microplastics for polyhalocarbazoles under simulated gastric fluid conditions
Summary
Researchers studied the desorption kinetics of polyhalocarbazoles from polypropylene and polyvinyl chloride microplastics under simulated gastric conditions for both vertebrates and invertebrates, finding rapid initial release followed by slow ongoing transfer over weeks to months. Smaller microplastic particles and invertebrate digestive conditions enhanced desorption, confirming that microplastics can act as vectors for these halogenated contaminants in the gut.
Microplastics entering the digestive system of living organisms can serve as a carrier of hydrophobic organic pollutants (HOPs), increasing their exposure levels and the health risks they pose to both humans and animals. The desorption kinetics of six polyhalocarbazoles (PHCZs) from 5 mm and 0.15 mm polypropylene (PP) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) microplastic particles were assessed using a combined microplastics and food system, representing the gastric system of vertebrates and invertebrates. Results showed that the chemical transfer of PHCZs is biphasic and reversible, with rapid exchange occurring within 2-48 h, followed by a period of slow transfer, which continues for weeks to months. The desorption capacity of PHCZs loaded on 0.15 mm microplastic particles was greater than that of 5 mm particles. The bioavailability percentage of PHCZ congeners for PP (24.2%-65.3%) and PVC (43.5%-57.2%) in the vertebrate fluid system were all lower than those in the invertebrate system (34.2%-70.7% for PP and 56.3%-72.7% for PVC, respectively). These findings indicate that physiological conditions, such as polarity, ingestion fluid, and microplastic affect the desorption of PHCZs from microplastics. In addition, desorption from PP was inhibited by the presence of foodstuff loaded with PHCZs due to competition, while desorption from PVC was not significantly affected by the presence of PHCZs contaminant food. Microplastics could provide a cleaning function in gastric fluid systems containing contaminated foodstuff, especially PP, which was capable of competitive adsorption of PHCZs from food. Few investigations have focused on the adverse effects of microplastic ingestion on human health, particularly in their role as vectors for HOPs, compared to other routes of exposure and transport. Therefore, these findings provide valuable insight into the health risks associated with dietary intake of microplastics and HOPs.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Sorption of polyhalogenated carbazoles (PHCs) to microplastics
Researchers investigated the sorption of five polyhalogenated carbazoles onto polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyvinyl chloride microplastics, finding that sorption capacity varied with plastic type and carbazole structure, indicating that microplastics can act as vectors for these emerging halogenated organic contaminants.
Transfer of PCBs from Microplastics under Simulated Gut Fluid Conditions Is Biphasic and Reversible
Researchers developed a chemical exchange model to study how PCBs transfer from ingested microplastics to gut fluids, testing with both low-density polyethylene and PVC. They found that chemical transfer was biphasic, with a fast phase lasting hours and a slower phase extending for weeks, and was fully reversible. Importantly, when clean microplastics were ingested alongside contaminated food, the plastics actually extracted pollutants from the food, demonstrating that the net effect of microplastic ingestion on chemical exposure depends on the relative contamination of plastic versus food.
Adsorption and Desorption Behaviour of Polychlorinated Biphenyls onto Microplastics’ Surfaces in Water/Sediment Systems
Researchers evaluated the adsorption and desorption behavior of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) onto polystyrene, polyethylene, and polyethylene terephthalate microplastics of varying sizes in marine water/sediment systems. Results showed that polymer type and particle size influenced PCB binding capacity, with microplastics acting as potential vectors for transferring persistent organic pollutants to marine biota through the food chain.
Relative importance of microplastics as a pathway for the transfer of hydrophobic organic chemicals to marine life
Researchers assessed the relative importance of microplastics as a pathway for transferring hydrophobic organic chemicals to marine life. The study suggests that while microplastics can carry high concentrations of contaminants, factors like gut surfactants, pH, and temperature influence desorption rates, and modeling indicates other exposure routes may be more significant in natural environments.
How Digestive Processes Can Affect the Bioavailability of PCBs Associated with Microplastics: A Modeling Study Supported by Empirical Data
Researchers used a simulated human digestive model to study whether gut processes change how quickly chemicals like PCBs transfer on and off microplastic particles. They found that digestive enzymes and bile salts significantly accelerated the release of these chemicals from microplastics, suggesting that the human gut environment may increase exposure to plastic-associated pollutants. The study provides new evidence that microplastics could act as carriers that release harmful chemicals more readily during digestion.