We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Effect of Polymer Nano- and Microparticles on Calcium Carbonate Crystallization
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined how polystyrene and other polymer micro- and nanoparticles affect the crystallization of calcium carbonate, finding that even small amounts of plastic particles disrupted crystal morphology and polymorph selection, with potential implications for biomineralizing marine organisms.
Molecular and macromolecular templates are known to affect the shape, size, and polymorph selectivity on the biomineralization of calcium carbonate (CaCO3). Micro- and nanoparticles of common polymers present in the environment are beginning to show toxicity in living organisms. In this study, the role of plastic nanoparticles in the biomineralization of CaCO3 is explored to understand the ecological impact of plastic pollution. As a model study, luminescent poly(methyl methacrylate) nanoparticles (PMMA-NPs) were prepared using the nanoprecipitation method, fully characterized, and used for the mineralization experiments to understand their influence on nucleation, morphology, and polymorph selectivity of CaCO3 crystals. The PMMA-NPs induced calcite crystal nucleation with spherical morphologies at high concentrations. Microplastic particles collected from a commercial face scrub were also used for CaCO3 nucleation to observe the nucleation of calcite crystals on the particle surface. Microscopic, spectroscopic, and X-ray diffraction data were used to characterize and identify the nucleated crystals. The data presented in this paper add more information on the impact of microplastics on the marine environment.
More Papers Like This
Crystallisation of CaCO3 polymorphs induced by layered PET-based microplastic particles
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined whether PET glitter microplastics can serve as nucleation sites for calcium carbonate crystal formation in seawater-simulated conditions. PET particles induced precipitation of calcite, aragonite, and other carbonate polymorphs at elevated temperatures, suggesting plastic debris could interfere with calcification processes in marine organisms and sediment chemistry.
Microplastics alter crystal growth in coral skeleton structures
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that exposure to polyethylene microplastics physically alters coral skeleton crystal structure, disrupting the biological processes that allow reefs to grow and repair — a troubling finding given that coral reefs support roughly a quarter of all marine species and protect coastlines worldwide.
Nanoplastic incorporation into an organismal skeleton
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers reported the first observation of nanoplastic particles being physically incorporated into the calcite skeleton of large benthic foraminifera, organisms important for global carbonate production in the ocean. The encrustation of nanoplastics into these calcium carbonate shells represents a previously unrecognized pathway for plastic entry into marine geological records.
Microplastics encapsulation in aragonite: efficiency, detection and insight into potential environmental impacts
AI summary Read the abstract
This study examined whether microplastics can become encapsulated within precipitated aragonite, the mineral that forms coral skeletons, and how dissolved organic matter affects this process. Encapsulation altered the mechanical properties of the aragonite, raising concerns about microplastic incorporation into coral reefs and the structural integrity of carbonate-producing marine organisms.
Heteroaggregation kinetics of nanoplastics and soot nanoparticles in aquatic environments
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined how polystyrene nanoplastics and soot particles aggregate together in aquatic environments, finding that particle ratio, salinity, pH, and dissolved organic matter all influence clumping rates — with calcium ions dramatically accelerating aggregation and potentially altering nanoplastic transport in coastal and marine waters.
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.