We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Adsorption mechanisms of five bisphenol analogues on PVC microplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
The adsorption of five bisphenol analogues (BPA, BPS, BPF, BPB, BPAF) onto PVC microplastics was studied, finding maximum adsorption efficiencies of 0.15–0.24 mg/g and identifying a three-stage kinetic process involving surface transport and intraparticle diffusion. The study reveals that PVC microplastics can adsorb plasticizer bisphenol compounds at significant levels, creating a potential feedback loop of chemical re-release in aquatic environments.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastics are easily embrittled and decomposed to microplastics in an aquatic environment. The plasticizers such as bisphenol A (BPA), bisphenol S (BPS) and their analogues might be released and adsorbed by the PVC microplastics causing consequential pollution to the ecosystem. Herein, a systematic study was performed to determine the adsorption mechanisms of five bisphenol analogues (BPA, BPS, BPF, BPB and BPAF) on PVC microplastics. The maximum adsorption efficiency reached 0.19 ± 0.02 mg·g (BPA), 0.15 ± 0.01 mg·g (BPS), 0.16 ± 0.01 mg·g (BPF), 0.22 ± 0.01 mg·g (BPB), and 0.24 ± 0.02 mg·g (BPAF) at PVC dosage of 1.5 g·L. The kinetics study shows that the adsorption processes can be divided into three stages including external mass transport, intraparticle diffusion and dynamic equilibrium. The isotherm modeling shows a better fit of the adsorption results to the Freundlich isotherm compared to the Langmuir model. The thermodynamic study indicates the adsorption of all bisphenols as exothermic processes. Furthermore, the adsorption mechanisms of bisphenols were explicated intensively, with respect to hydrophobic interactions, electrostatic forces, and noncovalent bonds. A positive effect of hydrophobic interactions was identified for bisphenols adsorption on PVC microplastics, but an obvious inhibition by electrostatic repulsions was revealed for BPF due to its ionization in the neutral solution. In addition, noncovalent bonds (hydrogen and halogen bonds) may promote the adsorption of bisphenols on PVC microplastics. Finally, the desorption and competitive adsorption of five bisphenol analogues on the microplastics were provided together with a perspective for future works.
More Papers Like This
Microplastics as potential bisphenol carriers: role of adsorbents, adsorbates, and environmental factors
AI summary Read the abstract
Laboratory experiments showed that four common microplastic types — polystyrene, polypropylene, polyamide, and PVC — all readily adsorb bisphenols (BPA, BPB, BPF, BPS), with polyamide showing the highest capacity. Adsorption was strongly influenced by polymer surface chemistry, bisphenol hydrophobicity, temperature, and salinity. Because bisphenols are potent endocrine disruptors, microplastics acting as their environmental carriers could amplify human and wildlife exposure through contaminated seafood and drinking water.
Exploring the adsorption behavior of benzotriazoles and benzothiazoles on polyvinyl chloride microplastics in the water environment
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers systematically investigated the adsorption behavior of benzotriazoles and benzothiazoles on polyvinyl chloride microplastics in aquatic environments, characterizing adsorption kinetics, isotherms, and thermodynamics to explain the underlying mechanisms. The study revealed that PVC microplastics act as carriers for these ubiquitous water contaminants through a multilayer adsorption process, with implications for pollutant migration and ecological risk.
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.
Nanoplastic adsorption characteristics of bisphenol A: The roles of pH, metal ions, and suspended sediments
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that nanoplastics adsorb bisphenol A through electrostatic, pi-pi stacking, and hydrophobic interactions, with adsorption capacity influenced by pH, competing metal ions, and suspended sediments, highlighting nanoplastics as vectors for BPA transport in aquatic environments.
Bisphenol A sorption on commercial polyvinyl chloride microplastics: Effects of UV-aging, biofilm colonization and additives on plastic behaviour in the environment.
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers studied how UV aging and biofilm growth affect the ability of commercial PVC microplastics to adsorb and release bisphenol A, an endocrine-disrupting chemical. The study found that UV exposure and biofilm colonization generally increased adsorption capacity, but the effect varied depending on the plastic's additive composition, suggesting that commercial additives play an underappreciated role in how microplastics transport pollutants in the environment.
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.