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Evaluation of the adsorption efficiency of carcinogenic PAHs on microplastic (polyester) fibers—preliminary results
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Researchers found that polyester microfibers — the tiny plastic threads shed from clothing during washing — can absorb large amounts of cancer-linked polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), accumulating up to 1,255 micrograms per gram of fiber, which means microplastics in sewage sludge may be concentrating toxic chemicals before they reach the environment.
Abstract Paper presents the results of investigations on sorption capacity of selected carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) on microplastics fibers. Accumulation of organic micropollutants such as PAHs is indicated as one of the important problems in the case of microplastics present in surface water, including sea water. Concentrations of the micropollutants can reach even several mg/kg of microplastics. An unrecognized problem are sorption capacities of microfibers towards PAHs. Recent research works indicate that microfibers are commonly present in sewage sludge. Content of the fibers in this waste material can reach over 23000 particles per 1 kg of sludge dry matter. The fibers mainly come from cloth washing. It is obvious that the adsorption capacity of the fibers can affect the concentration of PAHs in sewage sludge. The aim of the study was to evaluate sorption capacities of polyester fibers towards PAHs. Adsorption of PAHs were provided under static conditions. After 24 h of adsorption 1255 μg/g of carcinogenic PAHs was adsorbed onto the polyster fibers. Amount of 6-ring PAHs was equal to 154 μg/g, whereas 5- i 4- ring ones, 562 and 539 μg/g, respectively. The results have confirmed that hydrophobic PAHs can be adsorbed onto polystyrene fibers and as a result cumulate in sewage sludge.
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Adsorption of selected 3- and 4-ring polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons on polyester microfibers – preliminary studies
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Tiny polyester fibers, the kind that shed from your clothes during washing, can soak up significant amounts of toxic pollutants called PAHs (found in things like exhaust fumes and grilled food) and hold onto them rather than releasing them back into water. This matters because these microfibers end up in wastewater and waterways, potentially acting as tiny transport vehicles that carry harmful chemicals through the environment and possibly into the food chain, though more research is needed to understand the actual health risks this poses.
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Tiny plastic particles floating in seawater can act like sponges, soaking up toxic pollutants called PAHs (chemicals linked to cancer that come from sources like oil spills and burning fuel). This study found that certain plastics and pollutant combinations stick together more than others, meaning microplastics could be hitching a ride for these toxins through the ocean and potentially into the seafood we eat. Understanding which plastics absorb the most pollution helps scientists predict where these combined risks might be highest.
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Researchers measured five cancer-linked PAH compounds in water samples and found that microplastics can bind these chemicals, potentially concentrating them. This suggests microplastics may act as carriers of carcinogenic compounds in drinking water and aquatic environments.
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This study examined how microplastics in stormwater runoff absorb cancer-linked chemicals called PAHs and PCBs from different urban surfaces like roads, rooftops, and green spaces. The type of plastic and the surface it washed off determined how much of these toxic chemicals it carried. This matters because stormwater is increasingly being harvested for reuse, and contaminated microplastics could introduce hazardous chemicals into water supplies.
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Researchers assessed the cancer risk of microplastics originating from e-waste that had adsorbed carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The study found that microplastics effectively captured PAHs through adsorption and estimated the probable cancer risk from human ingestion of PAH-enriched microplastics, suggesting this exposure pathway warrants further health risk evaluation.
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