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Investigation of Heavy Metal Adsorption on Microplastics
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Researchers investigated the adsorption of lead (Pb) and aluminium (Al) onto polyethylene terephthalate, polyamide, and ethylene vinyl acetate microplastics, finding that pH, contact time, initial metal concentration, and temperature all significantly affect adsorption capacity. Experimental data were best described by Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models, confirming that microplastics act as vectors for heavy metal contaminants in aquatic environments.
Microplastics and heavy metals represent two pollutant classes which have adverse impacts on aquatic ecosystems. This study has investigated the adsorption of two heavy metals [Lead (Pb)II and Aluminum (Al)III] on three different types of microplastics [polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyamide (PA), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA)]. The Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analysis has shown that microplastics have different surface characteristics. The effects of parameters such as the pH of solution, duration of contact, initial concentration and temperature on adsorption capacity have been examined. Experimental results have been applied to the adsorption isotherm models of Langmuir and Freundlich and it has been seen that the Freundlich model has been seen as more suitable than the Langmuir model. Moreover, the pseudo-second kinetic has been found to be more appropriate than the pseudo-first kinetic model. Adsorption percentages have changed according to the type of microplastic and working conditions. Finally, the study has investigated the potential of microplastics to act as an instrument of transport for heavy metals to the food chain and for their bioaccumulation.
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