We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Cold Plasma-Induced Changes in Polyethylene Particles and Their Binding Affinity to Selected Pharmaceuticals
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed polyethylene microplastic particles to cold plasma treatment in water and in treated wastewater and then assessed changes in particle properties and pharmaceutical adsorption. Cold plasma altered the surface chemistry of PE particles and influenced their ability to adsorb pharmaceutical compounds, with implications for combined MP-pharmaceutical pollution.
Environmental contamination with microplastics and trace pharmaceuticals is an increasing ecological and health concern. This study aimed to investigate the effects of low-temperature cold plasma on polyethylene (PE) microplastic particles and to assess the potential for degradation of pharmaceuticals adsorbed onto their surfaces. Two types of PE samples were prepared: suspended in distilled water and in treated wastewater. All samples were exposed to cold plasma. In the second stage, PE particles were saturated with selected pharmaceuticals (diclofenac, sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim) and then subjected to plasma treatment. Pharmaceutical concentrations were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Particle morphology was analyzed via light microscopy (after Nile red staining) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that cold plasma treatment leads to agglomeration of PE particles, with the extent increasing with longer plasma exposure time. Pharmaceuticals adsorbed to the PE surface in the range of 20-70% of the applied dose. Cold plasma demonstrated the ability to remove pharmaceutical contaminants, particularly diclofenac (>98%), sulfamethoxazole (99.99%) and trimethoprim (>98%). These findings indicate that cold plasma has promising potential as a supportive technology for removing both microplastics and pharmaceutical residues from wastewater and aquatic environments.
More Papers Like This
Adsorption of a diverse range of pharmaceuticals to polyethylene microplastics in wastewater and their desorption in environmental matrices
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated how polyethylene microplastics adsorb pharmaceuticals in municipal wastewater and release them in environmental and biological fluids. They found that drug adsorption depended heavily on the compound's charge and hydrophobicity, with cationic and hydrophobic drugs adsorbing most readily. The study suggests that microplastics could act as vectors for certain pharmaceuticals, potentially transporting them through waterways and into organisms.
Sorption of selected pharmaceutical compounds on polyethylene microplastics: Roles of pH, aging, and competitive sorption
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that polyethylene microplastics adsorb pharmaceutical compounds including an antibiotic, a beta-blocker, and an antidepressant, with sorption capacity influenced by pH, aging of the plastic, and competition between compounds — raising concern about microplastics as carriers of pharmaceuticals in aquatic environments.
Sorption of pharmaceuticals on the surface of microplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers tested the ability of four common microplastic types to adsorb nine pharmaceutical compounds frequently found as water pollutants. They found that sorption involved both hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions, but under natural environmental conditions the binding was relatively weak. The study suggests that while microplastics can interact with pharmaceutical residues, their role as carriers of these contaminants in real aquatic environments may be more limited than previously assumed.
Multi-mechanistic adsorption of pharmaceuticals and personal care products on oxidized microplastics: Oxidation processes, mechanisms, and environmental implications
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers reviewed how weathering and oxidation change microplastic surfaces, making them better at absorbing pharmaceuticals and personal care product chemicals from water. The modified surfaces attract these contaminants through multiple chemical forces, meaning aged microplastics in the environment act as enhanced carriers for drug and cosmetic pollutants.
Investigating the Sorption of Pharmaceutical and Personal Care Products on High-Density Polyethylene and Polypropylene Microplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated the sorption behavior of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) on high-density polyethylene and polypropylene microplastics in aquatic systems. They found that microplastics adsorb PPCPs to concentrations orders of magnitude higher than the surrounding water, demonstrating that plastic particles act as concentrators and potential vectors for pharmaceutical contaminants in aquatic environments. The study adds to evidence that microplastics amplify co-contaminant exposure risks for aquatic organisms.
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.