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Environmental Aging of Polyethylene Microplastics: Surface Degradation and Ecological Risks
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Natural sunlight photoaging of polyethylene microplastics increases surface roughness, porosity, and cracking, dramatically raising their surface area and pollutant adsorption capacity. Aged microplastics thus become more potent vectors for heavy metals and toxic byproducts in aquatic ecosystems, amplifying risks of bioaccumulation up the food chain.
Abstract Polyethylene (PE) microplastics were exposed to natural sunlight in ultrapure water to investigate surface changes due to environmental photoaging. Characterization by ATR-FTIR and VPSEM showed that pristine microplastics had smooth, rounded surfaces and no visible defects. Following exposure, aged particles exhibited surface roughness, pores, cracks and structural degradation. These alterations significantly increased their surface area and affinity for pollutant adsorption. Photoaged microplastics may persist longer in ecosystems, acting as vectors for harmful contaminants like heavy metals, which accumulate in aquatic organisms, disrupting ecosystems and biodiversity. Moreover, their degradation can release toxic byproducts into the environment. For human health, these enhanced microplastics can enter the food chain, potentially leading to human health issues.
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