We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Marine microplastics bound dioxin-like chemicals: Model explanation and risk assessment
AI summary Read the abstract
Microplastics collected from coastal and open ocean environments were analyzed for dioxin-like chemicals (DLCs) and tested in cell-based bioassays, finding that expanded polystyrene (styrofoam) contained significantly higher DLCs than other plastic types, attributable to additives and higher sorption capacity. The study integrated chemical analysis and bioassay results to demonstrate that styrofoam-bound DLCs pose dioxin-like health risks to marine organisms.
Microplastics have become one of the most pervasive emerging pollutants in the marine environment because of their wide occurrence and high sorption ability for hydrophobic organic contaminants (HOCs). Among the associated HOCs, dioxin-like chemicals (DLCs) can pose severe health risks; however, information on effects of microplastics bound DLCs is lacking. To fill this knowledge gap, this study integrated chemical analysis and in vitro bioassays to elucidate the potential dioxin-like effects of microplastics bound DLCs. Chemical analysis results demonstrated that styrofoams possessed significantly greater DLCs than other coastal or open ocean plastic particles. This was probably due to the presence of additives and greater sorption ability of expanded polystyrene. However, styrofoams did not show as strong dioxin-like effects as predicted by the bioanalysis equivalent model in bioassays. This could be attributed to the decreased DLC bioavailability and increased competition with the presence of styrene oligomers. Besides, bioassay results also demonstrated that aging increased the associated DLC concentrations, since extra sorption from surrounding environment occurred during prolonged retention periods. Finally, it was estimated that the leaching of DLCs could induce dioxin-like effects in marine organisms under 100% (11/11) and 18% (2/11) scenarios for aged pellets and styrofoams through aqueous or dietary exposures.
More Papers Like This
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.
Extruded polystyrene microplastics as a source of brominated flame retardant additives in the marine environment: long-term field and laboratory experiments
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers conducted long-term field and laboratory experiments showing that extruded polystyrene microplastics rapidly release brominated flame retardants including TBBPA and HBCDD into seawater, identifying these particles as significant sources of toxic chemical additives in the marine environment.
Mechanistic insights into the adsorption of endocrine disruptors onto polystyrene microplastics in water
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers studied the mechanisms by which polystyrene microplastics adsorb endocrine-disrupting compounds from aquatic environments, finding that hydrophobic interactions and surface chemistry govern the binding. The results clarify how microplastics act as vectors for co-transporting endocrine disruptors through aquatic ecosystems.
Polystyrene microplastics increase uptake, elimination and cytotoxicity of decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209) in the marine scallop Chlamys farreri
AI summary Read the abstract
Marine scallops exposed to polystyrene microplastics combined with the flame retardant BDE-209 showed increased uptake and cytotoxicity of the chemical compared to BDE-209 alone, with microplastics acting primarily as a carrier to enhance pollutant bioavailability. The study demonstrates that microplastics can amplify the toxicity of co-occurring chemical contaminants in bivalves.
Comparing the sorption of pyrene and its derivatives onto polystyrene microplastics: Insights from experimental and computational studies
AI summary Read the abstract
This study examined how pyrene — a cancer-associated compound found in diesel exhaust and other combustion products — and several of its chemical derivatives adsorb onto polystyrene microplastics from water. Polystyrene strongly absorbed several pyrene derivatives, meaning microplastics could transport these carcinogenic chemicals into organisms that ingest the particles. The findings support the concern that microplastics act as vectors for toxic organic pollutants.
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.