We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
The First Observation of the Formation of Persistent Aminoxyl Radicals and Reactive Nitrogen Species on Photoirradiated Nitrogen-Containing Microplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
This study found that nitrogen-containing microplastics in the atmosphere generate persistent free radicals and reactive nitrogen species when exposed to light, which could damage cells and tissues upon inhalation. This is the first observation of these reactive chemicals forming on photoaged plastic particles, highlighting an underappreciated health risk from airborne microplastics.
Nitrogen-containing microplastics (N-MPs) are widely present in the atmosphere, but their potential health risks have been overlooked. In this study, the formation of persistent aminoxyl radicals (PAORs) and reactive nitrogen species (RNSs) on the N-MPs under light irradiation was investigated. After photoaging, an anisotropic triplet with the g-factor of ∼2.0044, corresponding to PAORs, was detected on the nonaromatic polyamide (PA) rather than amino resin (AmR) by electron paramagnetic resonance and confirmed by density functional theory calculations. The generated amine oxide portions on the photoaged PA were identified using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy, which were considered to be the main structural basis/precursors of a PAOR. Surprisingly, RNSs were also observed on the irradiated PA. The generated ·NO due to the aphotolysis of nitrone groups simultaneously reacted with peroxide radicals and O2·– to yield ·NO2 and peroxynitrite, respectively, which were responsible for peroxyacyl nitrates (PAN) and CO3·– formation. Besides, a significantly higher oxidative potential and reductive potential were observed for the aged PA than AmR, which is assigned to the abundant RNSs, organic hydroperoxides and PANs, and a strong ability to transfer electrons from PAOR, respectively. This work provides important information for the potential risks of airborne N-MPs and may serve as a guide for future toxicological assessments.
More Papers Like This
The First Observation of the Formation of Persistent Aminoxyl Radicals and Reactive Nitrogen Species on Photoirradiated Nitrogen-Containing Microplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers made the first observation of persistent aminoxyl radicals and reactive nitrogen species forming on nitrogen-containing microplastics under light irradiation. The study found that photoaged polyamide generated these reactive species, which exhibited significantly higher oxidative and reductive potential, providing important information about the potential health risks of airborne nitrogen-containing microplastics.
Formation of environmentally persistent free radicals on microplastics under UV irradiations
AI summary Read the abstract
This study found that UV light from the sun creates long-lasting free radicals on the surface of microplastics, with stronger UV producing more radicals faster. These environmentally persistent free radicals are chemically reactive and can damage cells and DNA. The finding is important because it means sunlight-weathered microplastics in the environment may be more harmful than fresh plastics, carrying these damaging free radicals into the body when ingested or inhaled.
Elucidating the role of overlooked environmentally persistent free radicals and reactive chlorine species on photoaged chlorine-containing microplastics: New insights into formation mechanisms and health risks
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated the formation of environmentally persistent free radicals and reactive chlorine species on photoaged chlorine-containing microplastics like PVC and PVDC. The study revealed previously overlooked chemical transformations during microplastic aging that may pose additional health risks beyond the physical presence of the plastic particles themselves.
Sulfur-Containing Persistent Free Radicals and Reactive Species on Photoaged Microplastics: Identification and the Formation Mechanism
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers identified sulfur-containing persistent free radicals and reactive species on photoaged microplastics for the first time, revealing that sulfur in the polymer composition promotes radical formation during UV aging with implications for environmental toxicity.
Enhanced cytotoxicity of photoaged phenol-formaldehyde resins microplastics: Combined effects of environmentally persistent free radicals, reactive oxygen species, and conjugated carbonyls
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers studied how photoaging affects the toxicity of phenol-formaldehyde resin microplastics, a common inhalable particle released during manufacturing. They found that UV exposure changed the surface chemistry and increased the cytotoxicity of these microplastics, partly due to the release of environmentally persistent free radicals. The study suggests that weathered microplastics may pose greater health risks than freshly produced particles, particularly through inhalation exposure.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.