We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Toxicity of Water after Short-Term Contact with PVC Materials Depending on the Temperature and Components of the Polymer Composition
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers tested the toxicity of water in contact with PVC plastic at different temperatures, finding that the degree of plasticizer content unexpectedly affected toxicity in complex ways. PVC leaches chemicals including phthalates into water, raising concerns about plastics used in water pipes and food packaging.
This work shows a paradoxical fact: a highly plasticized PVC sample containing the maximum amount of the plasticizer di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) compared to medium-and low-plasticized polymers turned out to be the least toxic. This was confirmed in express bioassays for the pre-lethal reactions of Paramecium caudatum Ehrenber and Escherichia coli M-17 when determining the acute toxicity for mortality of Daphnia magna Straus and Ceriodaphnia affinis Lilljeborg, as well as in chronic tests for D. magna. The migration of DEHP from the tested PVC samples into water was confirmed by the mass spectrometry method. It was shown that the contact of PVC materials with hot water (70 ) led to a significant increase in the toxicity of the extracts compared to cold extraction (20 ). The search for safe composition of PVC materials must be carried out in the direction of the optimal ratio of PVC-polymer, plasticizer and heat stabilizer, as well as replacing the components of the composition with safe substances.
More Papers Like This
Releases of Fire-Derived Contaminants from Polymer Pipes Made of Polyvinyl Chloride
AI summary Read the abstract
Fire-derived contaminants were found to be released from PVC water pipes, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and other toxic compounds, following exposure conditions simulating building fires. The findings have implications for water safety after structure fires, when plastic plumbing components may leach harmful chemicals into drinking water.
Polyvinyl Chloride Microplastics Leach Phthalates into the Aquatic Environment over Decades
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers measured how phthalate plasticisers leach from polyvinyl chloride microplastics into water over extended time periods and found that the release process can continue for decades. The study identified the specific mass transfer mechanisms governing leaching rates for three common phthalates. These findings suggest that PVC microplastics represent a long-term source of chemical contamination in aquatic environments, far longer than previously appreciated.
Releases of Fire-Derived Contaminants from Water Pipes Made of Polyvinyl Chloride Polymer
AI summary Read the abstract
Burning PVC water pipes releases a mixture of chlorinated chemicals including vinyl chloride, a known carcinogen, and water leached from fire-damaged PVC pipes contained harmful compounds. This is relevant to microplastics because fires that damage plastic infrastructure create toxic contamination in drinking water and increase the risk of plastic particle ingestion.
Effects of PVC pipe leachates on the survival and reproduction of two micro-crustacean species Ceriodaphnia Cornuta and Daphnia Magna
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers tested whether leachates from PVC water pipes affect the survival and reproduction of two micro-crustacean species, finding toxic effects at relevant concentrations. PVC pipes can leach harmful plastic additives including phthalates into drinking water and aquatic environments, compounding the pollution associated with microplastics.
Environmental and health hazards of chemicals in plastic polymers and products
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers reviewed the environmental and health hazards of chemicals in plastic polymers and products, examining the toxicological profiles of monomers, additives, and degradation products that can leach from plastics into food, water, and the environment. The study identifies numerous plastic-associated chemicals with endocrine-disrupting, carcinogenic, or developmental toxicity potential and calls for more comprehensive safety testing of plastic formulations.
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.