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Perfluoroalkylated Substances (PFAS) Associated with Microplastics in a Lake Environment
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This study examined how microplastics interact with PFAS ("forever chemicals") in a lake environment by deploying different plastic types in the water for up to three months. Researchers found that microplastics in natural conditions absorbed 24 to 259 times more PFAS than plastics tested in clean lab water, largely because organic and inorganic matter that accumulates on plastic surfaces enhances chemical absorption. The findings suggest that microplastics in the environment may concentrate harmful chemicals at levels that pose risks to aquatic life.
The presence of both microplastics and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is ubiquitous in the environment. The ecological impacts associated with their presence are still poorly understood, however, these contaminants are extremely persistent. Although plastic in the environment can concentrate pollutants, factors such as the type of plastic and duration of environmental exposure as it relates to the degree of adsorption have received far less attention. To address these knowledge gaps, experiments were carried out that examined the interactions of PFAS and microplastics in the field and in a controlled environment. For field experiments, we measured the abundance of PFAS on different polymer types of microplastics that were deployed in a lake for 1 month and 3 months. Based on these results, a controlled experiment was conducted to assess the adsorption properties of microplastics in the absence of associated inorganic and organic matter. The adsorption of PFAS was much greater on the field-incubated plastic than what was observed in the laboratory with plastic and water alone, 24 to 259 times versus one-seventh to one-fourth times background levels. These results suggest that adsorption of PFAS by microplastics is greatly enhanced by the presence of inorganic and/or organic matter associated with these materials in the environment, and could present an environmental hazard for aquatic biota.
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Co-accumulation characteristics and interaction mechanism of microplastics and PFASs in a large shallow lake
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Researchers examined how microplastics and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as forever chemicals, accumulate together in Taihu Lake, China. They found that microplastics can adsorb and concentrate these persistent chemicals on their surfaces, with the interaction strength depending on plastic type and environmental conditions. The study raises concerns that microplastics may act as carriers that spread forever chemicals through freshwater ecosystems.
Interactions between perfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) and microplastics (MPs): Findings from an extensive investigation
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This study tested how PFAS ("forever chemicals") interact with 18 different types of microplastic and found that polyamide (nylon) plastics absorbed up to 100% of the PFAS in solution. Since both PFAS and microplastics are widespread environmental pollutants, their ability to bind together means microplastics may act as carriers that concentrate and transport these harmful chemicals into water, soil, and ultimately the human body.
Adsorption of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) and Microcystins by Virgin and Weathered Microplastics in Freshwater Matrices
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Researchers studied whether microplastics can absorb two types of harmful water contaminants: PFAS (so-called forever chemicals) and microcystin toxins produced by algae. They found that weathered microplastics adsorbed significantly more of these pollutants than pristine ones, and that environmental water conditions influenced the absorption process. The study suggests that microplastics in freshwater may concentrate and transport multiple types of dangerous chemicals simultaneously.
Microplastics as carriers of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in aquatic environment: interactions and ecotoxicological effects
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Researchers reviewed how microplastics serve as carriers for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), sometimes called forever chemicals, in aquatic environments. The study found that PFAS can attach to microplastic surfaces and accumulate in organisms through the food chain, potentially amplifying the toxic effects of both pollutants. The findings suggest that the combined presence of microplastics and PFAS poses a greater environmental and health risk than either pollutant alone.
Adsorption of perfluoroalkyl substances on microplastics under environmental conditions
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Researchers examined the capacity of three types of microplastics to sorb 18 perfluoroalkyl substances from freshwater and seawater. They found that perfluorosulfonates and sulfonamides had the strongest tendency to adsorb onto microplastics, with polystyrene showing greater affinity for these chemicals than polyethylene. The study suggests that microplastics in aquatic environments can concentrate harmful PFAS compounds, potentially increasing exposure for organisms that ingest them.
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