We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Adsorption of Organic Pollutants in Microplastic in the Arctic Ocean
AI summary Read the abstract
This Arctic study investigated adsorption of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) onto different plastic types (polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene) across summer and winter seasons, finding that plastics in cold polar waters can accumulate significant concentrations of harmful organic chemicals, potentially transferring these toxins through the food chain.
Oceans all over the world are housing large quantities of plastic pollution and persistent organic pollutants (POPs). Concerns regarding both of them having lipophilic characteristic that allows a successful partitioning of POPs to plastic if in contact in an aqueous medium, led to this study where the relationship between different types of plastic and POPs in the Arctic ocean are looked into. In two seasons, respectively summer and winter, pellets of polyethylene high- density (PE-HD), polyethylene low-density (PE-LD), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polypropylene (PP) have been located in Kongsfjorden, the Arctic ocean outside Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard. The concentration of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in plastics have been analysed before entering the ocean and during the seasons. Also, a selection of marine plastic garbage collected in Longyearbyen, Svalbard, was identified and analysed. The POPs adsorb more to rubbery polymers (PH-HD, PE-LD, PP) than glassy polymers (PET). A clear variation between type of plastic and concentration was found, from highest to lowest: PE-HD > PE-LD > PP > PET. The plastics stability in regard to chemical structure and possible surface changes was investigated with Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) respectively. All plastics were chemically stable after being in the ocean. Among the garbage samples, differences concerning how and how many particles breaking of as microplastics and type of plastic were discovered. Based on results in this study, PE-HD is classified as the most harmful and PET the least harmful type of plastic if entering the Arctic marine environment, both regarding adsorption of POPs and degree of degradation.
More Papers Like This
Sorption of organic compounds by microplastic
AI summary Read the abstract
This German thesis studied how common microplastic polymers like polyethylene, polystyrene, and polyamide sorb and accumulate hydrophobic organic contaminants, investigating the mechanisms that make plastics effective carriers of pollutants. Understanding sorption behavior is key to assessing how microplastics transport toxic chemicals into marine food webs.
Transport of persistent organic pollutants: Another effect of microplastic pollution?
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines how microplastics act as vectors for persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in aquatic environments, covering the physical and chemical factors governing pollutant adsorption and desorption. The authors discuss how interactions between microplastics and POPs vary with polymer type, particle properties, and environmental conditions, and when these interactions may result in toxic effects on aquatic organisms.
Adsorption and Desorption Behaviour of Polychlorinated Biphenyls onto Microplastics’ Surfaces in Water/Sediment Systems
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers evaluated the adsorption and desorption behavior of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) onto polystyrene, polyethylene, and polyethylene terephthalate microplastics of varying sizes in marine water/sediment systems. Results showed that polymer type and particle size influenced PCB binding capacity, with microplastics acting as potential vectors for transferring persistent organic pollutants to marine biota through the food chain.
Investigation of sorption of environmental pollutants to virgin and aged microplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
This research investigated how environmental pollutants such as persistent organic chemicals adsorb onto virgin and weathered plastic particles in natural systems, examining factors such as plastic type, surface aging, and chemical properties. The study contributes to understanding how microplastics act as carriers for toxic contaminants in aquatic environments.
Sorption of non-polar organic compounds by micro-sized plastic particles in aqueous solution
AI summary Read the abstract
This study measured the sorption of non-polar organic compounds by micro-sized plastic particles in aqueous solution, finding that different polymer types varied significantly in their ability to accumulate hydrophobic contaminants.
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.