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Unraveling the adsorption behavior of Zn(II) on UV-aged PET and PP microplastics: kinetic and isotherm analyses
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This study examined how UV aging changes the ability of PET and polypropylene microplastics to adsorb zinc from water. Researchers found that UV exposure over 30 days increased surface roughness and oxygen-containing functional groups on the plastics, significantly enhancing their capacity to bind zinc ions, which suggests that weathered microplastics in the environment may carry higher concentrations of heavy metals.
Microplastics (MPs) exposed to environmental weathering, particularly UV radiation, undergo significant modifications to their surface properties, thereby enhancing their potential to adsorb and transfer pollutants such as heavy metals (HMs). This study examines the adsorption behavior of zinc (Zn(II)) onto virgin and UV-aged polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polypropylene (PP) MPs subjected to up to 30 days under UV exposure. The aging process altered the morphological and physicochemical characteristics of the MPs as evidenced by characterization, which revealed the increased surface roughness, cracking, and enhanced hydrophilicity. Surface chemistry changes were further analyzed using FTIR and XRD; revealing the development of new functional groups like carbonyl (C = O) and hydroxyl groups (OH) in association with improved crystallinity indicates the emerging new active adsorption sites. Batch adsorption experiments were conducted under varying aging durations (0 to 30 days) and contact time (0 to 48 h). Results showed that UV aging significantly enhanced Zn(II) adsorption capacity for PET and PP, with adsorption equilibrium reached at 24 h. Kinetic data best fit the PSO model (R > 0.95) indicating chemisorption as the dominant mechanism, while the isotherms more closely confirmed to the Langmuir model, suggesting homogeneous monolayer adsorption. This research highlights the understanding of the adsorption behavior of MPs and takes the effect of UV aging into account.
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The adsorption behavior of metals in aqueous solution by microplastics effected by UV radiation
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Virgin and UV-aged PET microplastics were compared for their sorption capacity of copper and zinc ions, with aged microplastics showing higher adsorption due to increased surface area and oxygen-containing functional groups formed during photoaging. The study demonstrates that environmental weathering enhances the metal-carrying potential of microplastics over time.
Adsorption behavior of Cu(II) on UV-aged polyethylene terephthalate and polypropylene microplastics in aqueous solution
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Researchers studied how UV aging changes the ability of PET and polypropylene microplastics to adsorb copper ions from water. UV exposure altered the surface properties of both plastics, increasing their capacity to bind heavy metals compared to pristine particles. The findings suggest that weathered microplastics in the environment may be more effective at concentrating toxic metals, potentially increasing ecological risks in contaminated waterways.
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Researchers examined how UV aging affects the adsorption of lead and copper onto polypropylene, polyethylene, and polystyrene microplastics, finding that aging creates new oxidation functional groups that enhance heavy metal adsorption capacity.
Adsorption properties and mechanism of Cu(II) on virgin and aged microplastics in the aquatic environment
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Researchers examined how UV aging changes the surface properties of polyamide and polylactic acid microplastics and affects their ability to adsorb copper ions in water. The study found that UV irradiation altered the physical and chemical characteristics of both plastic types, increasing their capacity to bind heavy metals. Evidence indicates that weathered microplastics may act as more effective carriers of heavy metal contaminants in aquatic environments compared to virgin plastics.
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Researchers investigated how zinc oxide nanoparticles attach to polypropylene and polystyrene microplastics under different water chemistry conditions. They found that UV-aged microplastics retained significantly more nanoparticles than fresh ones, and water pH and natural organic matter influenced the interaction. The study suggests that weathered microplastics in the environment are more effective at carrying metal contaminants, potentially increasing ecological risks.
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