We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Adsorption characteristics of cadmium onto microplastics from aqueous solutions
Summary
Laboratory adsorption experiments characterized how cadmium is taken up by microplastics of different polymer types from aqueous solutions, finding adsorption capacity varied significantly with polymer chemistry, particle size, and solution conditions. The results help predict how microplastics in contaminated waterways accumulate and transport cadmium, a highly toxic heavy metal.
As one of emerging contaminants, microplastics (MPs) can enter the environment and adsorb toxic metals such as cadmium (Cd), thereby causing potential environmental risks. However, adsorption characteristics of MPs are poorly understood. Herein, batch experiments were performed to investigate the adsorption characteristics of Cd onto high-density polyethylene (HDPE) MPs with different particle sizes, that is, 1-2 mm, 0.6-1 mm, and 100-154 μm. The adsorption of Cd was quite rapid initially, and the equilibrium time was approximately 90 min. An increase in the pH of the Cd solution led to an increase in Cd adsorption. MPs with particle size of 100-154 μm had the highest adsorption capacity. Addition of 1, 10, and 100 mg/L NaCl all significantly decreased Cd adsorption. Adsorption kinetics fitted the pseudo-second-order model. Adsorption isotherm followed the Langmuir model and, to a lesser extent, the Freundlich model, with estimated maximum adsorption capacity of 30.5 μg/g. The adsorbed Cd easily desorbed from the MPs. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis confirmed Cd adsorption to and desorption from MPs. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analysis showed no new functional groups formed during the adsorption and desorption processes, suggesting physical interaction may dominate the Cd adsorption onto MPs. The present study findings provide evidence that MPs can accumulate Cd, and the adsorbed Cd may be highly available, thus posing risks to the organisms exposed to these MPs.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Sorption properties of cadmium on microplastics: The common practice experiment and A two-dimensional correlation spectroscopic study
Laboratory experiments examined how cadmium adsorbs onto microplastics of different polymer types and aging states, finding that surface chemistry and weathering significantly affect how much heavy metal the plastics can carry. This matters because microplastics contaminated with heavy metals represent a dual pollution risk when ingested by aquatic organisms.
Study on the Adsorption Behavior of Cadmiumby the MPs and Its Environmental Factors
This study investigated how microplastics adsorb the toxic heavy metal cadmium under different environmental conditions including pH, temperature, and salinity. Microplastics were found to act as carriers for cadmium, potentially transporting this harmful metal into aquatic ecosystems and the food chain.
Adsorption of Cadmium, Copper and Lead on Polypropylene and Polyethylene Microplastics
This laboratory study measured how cadmium, copper, and lead adsorb onto polypropylene and polyethylene microplastic particles in seawater, finding that microplastics concentrate these toxic metals at levels well above surrounding water concentrations. The results reinforce concerns that microplastics act as carriers of heavy metal contamination in marine ecosystems.
Microplastics as a vehicle of heavy metals in aquatic environments: A review of adsorption factors, mechanisms, and biological effects
This review summarizes how microplastics in water can absorb and carry toxic heavy metals like lead and cadmium, making them more dangerous to aquatic life than either pollutant alone. Environmental factors such as water acidity, salinity, and organic matter influence how much metal sticks to microplastic surfaces. Since contaminated seafood is a major source of human exposure, understanding these interactions is important for assessing health risks.
Study on the Adsorption Behavior and Mechanism of Heavy Metals in Aquatic Environment before and after the Aging of Typical Microplastics
Researchers investigated the adsorption behavior and mechanisms of heavy metals by typical microplastics before and after environmental aging, finding that aging significantly alters microplastics' surface properties and capacity to bind metals such as cadmium and lead in aquatic systems.