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Sorption of chemical contaminants on degradable and non-degradable microplastics: Recent progress and research trends
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This review compares how both biodegradable and conventional microplastics absorb chemical contaminants like pesticides and heavy metals from the environment. Researchers found that microplastics can act as carriers for hazardous chemicals, and that biodegradable plastics are not necessarily safer in this regard, as they can also concentrate and transport pollutants.
Microplastics (<5 mm) are ubiquitous contaminants of growing concern. These have been found in multiple environmental compartments, including remote sites where anthropogenic activity is null. Once released, microplastics interact with multiple chemicals in the environment, many of which are classified as organic contaminants or heavy metals. Some contaminants have an affinity for microplastics, attributed to certain sorption mechanisms, and thus become vectors of hazardous chemicals. Here, we focused on the sorption behavior of degradable and non-degradable microplastics, including field and laboratory experiments. We reviewed the sorption mechanisms, namely hydrophobic interactions, electrostatic interactions, pore-filling, Van der Waals forces, hydrogen bonding, and π-π interactions, and the factors strengthening or weakening these mechanisms. Then, we analyzed the literature investigating the sorption behavior of a wide range of chemicals contaminants on microplastics, and the current knowledge regarding the occurrence of organic contaminants and heavy metals on microplastics extracted from the environment. The future perspectives and research priorities were discussed. It is apparent that degradable microplastics, such as polylactic acid or polybutylene succinate, have a greater affinity for hydrophobic contaminants than conventional synthetic non-degradable microplastics according to recent studies. However, studies assessing degradable microplastics are scarce and much research is required to further prove this point. We stated several knowledge gaps in this new line of research and suggest the future studies to follow an integrative approach, allowing to comprehend the multiple factors involved, such as ecotoxicity, bioaccumulation, and fate of the chemical contaminants.
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Accumulation and release of organic pollutants by conventional and biodegradable microplastics in the marine environment
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Researchers examined the ability of conventional and biodegradable microplastics in the marine environment to accumulate and release organic pollutants, finding that both types adsorb contaminants but differ in their release profiles, with biodegradable plastics potentially offering lower long-term pollutant persistence.
Adsorption of organic pollutants on (degradable) microplastics and the influences on their bioavailability
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This study examined how organic pollutants adsorb onto both conventional and biodegradable microplastics, and how degradation of the plastic surface affects adsorption capacity over time. The results show that degradable plastics can also serve as vectors for organic pollutants, challenging the assumption that biodegradable alternatives are environmentally benign.
Adsorption behavior of heavy metals onto microplastics derived from conventional and biodegradable commercial plastic products
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Researchers tested how well different types of microplastics, including both conventional and biodegradable plastics, absorb heavy metals like lead, nickel, copper, zinc, and cadmium from water. They found that all microplastic types could pick up significant amounts of heavy metals, with biodegradable plastics sometimes absorbing even more than conventional ones. This is concerning because microplastics carrying heavy metals could deliver a double dose of contamination to organisms that ingest them.
Interaction of Chemical Contaminants with Microplastics
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This review examines how chemical contaminants like heavy metals, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals adsorb onto microplastic surfaces and are transported through the environment. Microplastics act as vectors that concentrate and move toxic chemicals, potentially amplifying human exposure through food and water.
Partitioning of chemical contaminants to microplastics: Sorption mechanisms, environmental distribution and effects on toxicity and bioaccumulation
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This review critically examines how chemical contaminants like persistent organic pollutants and heavy metals sorb onto microplastic surfaces in the environment. Researchers found that while microplastics can concentrate pollutants at levels far above surrounding water, the actual contribution of microplastics to contaminant transfer into organisms may be less significant than direct exposure from water and food. The study calls for more realistic experimental designs to clarify the true risk.
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