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Sorption of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by microplastic films: Characterizing kinetics, isotherms, and impacts of sludge exposure
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This study characterized the sorption of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons onto microplastic films in sludge and wastewater systems, finding that MP type and surface properties strongly influence PAH binding capacity and may facilitate PAH transport and bioavailability in contaminated environments.
Microplastics can facilitate the transport of environmental contaminants through sorption, which impacts the bioavailability of these contaminants. Due to the prevalence of both microplastics and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in sludge and wastewater systems, we investigated the effects of sludge exposure on the uptake of PAHs by polylactic acid (PLA) and polyethylene (PE) films. In general, rates of PAH sorption were found to increase with longer sludge exposure times. PLA exhibited negligible changes in sorption capacity due to a lack of significant chemical changes occurring during the first two weeks of sludge exposure. In comparison, sludge-aged PE exhibited increased PAH sorption capacity, likely due to decreases in film crystallinity and increases in surface area. Our results highlight how the sorption behavior of PLA and PE films evolves with sludge exposure and will help to better predict the fate and transport of environmental PAHs.
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Microplastics, PAHs and biofilms in freshwater
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Researchers tested how five common plastic types adsorb polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in freshwater and serve as surfaces for microbial biofilm growth. All five plastics were able to bind PAHs and support biofilms, suggesting microplastics can concentrate toxic compounds and harbor bacteria in freshwater environments.
Exploring the Interaction between Microplastics, Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Biofilms in Freshwater
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Researchers investigated the adsorption of benzo(a)pyrene and pyrene by five microplastic types in freshwater over 3 and 30 days, finding that polypropylene was the most efficient adsorbent while polystyrene was the least efficient for benzo(a)pyrene. The study also examined how bacterial biofilms on microplastics, including pathogenic species such as Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, interact with PAH adsorption dynamics.
Research Progress on The Adsorption and Their Mechanisms of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Soil by Microplastics
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This review examines how microplastic characteristics including polymer type, particle size, density, and aging state influence their adsorption of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soil, along with how environmental factors such as pH and organic matter modify this interaction. The authors provide a theoretical framework for understanding the combined pollution risk of microplastics and PAHs in terrestrial ecosystems.
Evaluating the effect of different modified microplastics on the availability of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
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Researchers investigated how weathering processes alter the ability of polyethylene microplastics to affect the bioavailability of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, finding that etching and UV aging increased surface oxygen groups, specific surface area, and pore volume. Free PAH concentrations decreased with increasing microplastic concentration for most hydrophobic PAHs, and UV aging only slightly altered sorption coefficients compared to pristine microplastics.
Sorption of benzo(a)pyrene and of a complex mixture of petrogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons onto polystyrene microplastics
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Researchers investigated the sorption of benzo(a)pyrene and a complex mixture of petrogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons onto polystyrene microplastics in aquatic systems, quantifying how the hydrophobic nature and large surface area of microplastics facilitate PAH accumulation and potential vector transport.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.