We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Effect of Mass Fraction on Leaching Kinetics of Hydrophobic Ultraviolet Stabilizers in Low-Density Polyethylene.
AI summary Read the abstract
This study models how UV stabilizer additives leach from polyethylene microfibers into water, finding that the rate depends heavily on the amount of additive present and the surrounding water flow conditions. The results show that leaching can take months to years at environmental concentrations, which has implications for how long plastic-derived chemical contamination persists in aquatic environments.
The leaching kinetics of five hydrophobic ultraviolet (UV) stabilizers from low-density polyethylene (LDPE) (micro)fibers into water was evaluated in this study, with variation of the mass fraction (ω = 0.1-2.0 wt %) of the stabilizers. A one-dimensional convection-diffusion model for a cylindrical geometry, requiring partitioning between the LDPE fibers and water () and the internal diffusion coefficients (), was used to evaluate the leaching process and the leaching half-life of the target UV stabilizers at ω < 0.5 wt % (Case I). Diffusion through the aqueous boundary layer is the rate-determining step, and the leaching half-life is predicted to be very long (a few months to years) under unaffected conditions. When the UV stabilizers are supersaturated within LDPE fibers (i.e., ω > 0.5 wt %, Case II), the possible formation of a surficial crystal layer of the additives on the LDPE fiber extends the time scale for leaching compared to that in Case I due to the requirement of overcoming the crystallization energy. This study provides a fundamental understanding of the leaching profiles of plastic additives for assessing their potential chemical risks in aquatic environments; further studies under the relevant environmental conditions are required.
More Papers Like This
Equilibrium leaching of selected ultraviolet stabilizers from plastic products.
AI summary Read the abstract
This study found that UV stabilizer additives leach from polyethylene, PET, and polystyrene plastics into water, with the Flory-Huggins model best explaining the leaching behavior. Results suggest microplastics likely serve as important carriers of these hydrophobic compounds in aquatic environments.
The influence of oxidation and hydrophobic coupling on the transport behavior of polyethylene microplastics: The synergistic effect of ultraviolet aging and surfactants
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated how ultraviolet aging and surfactant attachment interact to influence the transport behavior of polyethylene microplastics, finding that UV oxidation increases oxygen-containing surface groups and reduces hydrophobicity, which in turn alters surfactant adsorption and modifies particle mobility in environmental systems. The study addresses a gap in understanding the coupled effects of oxidative aging and surface chemistry on microplastic transport.
Contaminant release from aged microplastic
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed recycled plastic granules of polyethylene, PVC, and polystyrene to simulated aging conditions including UV radiation and high temperatures. They found that aging significantly increased the rate at which chemical additives leached from the plastic particles into water, with UV exposure having the greatest effect. The study highlights that weathered microplastics in the environment may release harmful chemicals at much higher rates than fresh plastic materials.
Microplastics emerge as a hotspot for dibutyl phthalate sources in rivers and oceans: Leaching behavior and potential risks
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated how the plasticizer dibutyl phthalate leaches from PVC microplastics in both freshwater and seawater environments. They found that UV irradiation and water chemistry significantly influenced leaching rates, with higher release observed under simulated environmental conditions. The findings suggest that microplastics in rivers and oceans act as ongoing sources of potentially harmful chemical additives.
Microplastic fibres from synthetic textiles: Environmental degradation and additive chemical content
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers studied how common synthetic textile fibers — polyester, polyamide, and polyacrylonitrile — degrade in seawater and freshwater under UV light exposure. They found that these fibers release chemical additives as they break down, with polyester and polyamide releasing particularly concerning levels of plastic-related chemicals into the surrounding water.
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.