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Size-dependent adsorption of waterborne Benzophenone-3 on microplastics and its desorption under simulated gastrointestinal conditions
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Researchers studied how the UV filter Benzophenone-3 adsorbs onto microplastics of different sizes and found that smaller particles bound more contaminant per unit mass; simulated gastrointestinal conditions caused significant desorption, suggesting microplastics could enhance chemical exposure in organisms that ingest them.
Microplastics (MPs) are global pollutants with heightened environmental and health concerns in recent years because of their worldwide distribution across aquatic environments, ability to load chemical contaminants and the potential for ingestion by animals, including human. In this study, three commonly used and environmentally detected plastics, i.e. polystyrene, polyethylene, polypropylene with sizes of 550, 250 and 75 μm, plus two submicron-sized polystyrene microplastics (5 and 0.5 μm) were assessed as solid adsorbents for a prevalent UV filter, benzophenone-3 (BP-3). The affinity and process of adsorption exhibited differentials among different sizes and types of MPs. Apparent desorption of BP-3 from MPs under simulated gastrointestinal conditions was not significantly enhanced, which might be due to the presence of the enzyme proteins, indicating potential risk of the contaminants carried by MPs. The desorption of BP-3 from MPs was affected by the size, type of MPs and the components of the gastrointestinal fluid.
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Adsorption and Desorption Behaviour of Polychlorinated Biphenyls onto Microplastics’ Surfaces in Water/Sediment Systems
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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.
Sorption and desorption of organic UV filters onto microplastics in single and multi-solute systems
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This study examined how organic UV filters (common sunscreen ingredients) sorb onto microplastics in both single-solute and multi-solute systems, finding that competitive sorption occurs when multiple contaminants are present. The results indicate that sunscreen chemicals can hitchhike on microplastics in marine environments, potentially altering their environmental fate and biological effects.
Sorption and desorption kinetics of PFOS to pristine microplastic
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Researchers investigated how the persistent pollutant PFOS sorbs onto polyethylene microplastic particles of different sizes over six months. They found that smaller microplastic particles adsorbed more PFOS due to their greater surface area, and that PFOS could be released from the microplastics under simulated fish gut conditions. The findings suggest that microplastics may act as carriers of chemical pollutants into the digestive systems of aquatic organisms.
Adsorption of perfluoroalkyl substances on polyamide microplastics: Effect of sorbent and influence of environmental factors
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Researchers studied how perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a group of persistent industrial chemicals, bind to polyamide microplastics in water. They found that smaller microplastic particles absorbed dramatically more PFAS than larger ones, and that water chemistry conditions like pH and salinity influenced the process. The findings suggest microplastics can concentrate harmful chemicals and potentially increase human and wildlife exposure to PFAS in contaminated environments.
Sorption of representative organic contaminants on microplastics: Effects of chemical physicochemical properties, particle size, and biofilm presence
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This study examined how organic pollutants like flame retardants and industrial chemicals attach to microplastics in saltwater conditions. Smaller microplastic particles absorbed more contaminants per unit weight, and natural biofilms growing on the plastic surfaces changed how much pollution they could carry. The findings help explain how microplastics act as carriers of toxic chemicals through the environment and potentially into the food chain.
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