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61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Microplastics release a range of substances into the surrounding water
ClearMicroplastics release a range of substances into the surrounding water
This study monitored the continuous leaching of chemical substances from microplastics into surrounding water, identifying a range of compounds released over time. The findings confirm that microplastics act as a persistent source of chemical contamination in aquatic environments, beyond their direct physical effects.
Continuous long-term monitoring of leaching from microplastics into ambient water – A multi-endpoint approach
Researchers conducted continuous long-term monitoring of leaching from 16 types of microplastics into water, finding that most released significant dissolved organic carbon and various chemicals, with leaching patterns varying by polymer type and environmental conditions.
Seeping plastics: Potentially harmful molecular fragments leaching out from microplastics during accelerated ageing in seawater
Researchers conducted accelerated aging experiments on four common plastic types in seawater to study the chemical compounds they release as they degrade. The study found that aging microplastics leach potentially harmful molecular fragments into the surrounding water, demonstrating that microplastics are not inert pollutants but chemically reactive materials that release degradation byproducts over time.
Microplastics and Nanoplastics in the Aquatic Environment: Contamination, Determination and Interaction with Other Contaminants
This review gathers information on microplastic and nanoplastic contamination in aquatic environments, examining their detection methods, environmental persistence, and interactions with other contaminants including their capacity to adsorb and release chemical compounds.
Leaching of carbon, metals, and additives from microplastics to water
Researchers soaked a range of consumer plastic microplastics in water for 12 weeks and found that most released substantial dissolved organic carbon, metals including calcium, iron, and zinc, and dozens of chemical additives — with leaching rates highest in the first few weeks and varying by polymer type.
Monitoring of compounds released from bioplastics and similar plant-based materials into water
Researchers monitored compounds leaching from bioplastics and similar plant-based packaging materials, assessing chemical release into aquatic environments and associated health risks. Bioplastic materials released chemicals distinct from conventional plastics, with the safety profile of these substances requiring further evaluation for regulatory purposes.
Leaching of microplastic-associated additives in aquatic environments: A critical review
This review examined how microplastic-associated chemical additives leach into aquatic environments, summarizing recent advances in understanding release kinetics, phase equilibrium between microplastics and water, and the environmental and health risks posed by organic additives and heavy metals.
Release of additives and non-intentionally added substances from microplastics under environmentally relevant conditions
Researchers measured how chemical additives leach out of different types of microplastics under realistic environmental conditions and found wildly different release rates — spanning five orders of magnitude over 64 days — highlighting that the type of plastic matters greatly when assessing the chemical risks microplastics pose to ecosystems.
Releasing characteristics of toxic chemicals from polystyrene microplastics in the aqueous environment during photoaging process
This study revealed that as polystyrene microplastics age under UV light, they release a growing number of toxic chemicals including organic compounds and heavy metals into surrounding water. The rate of chemical release increased dramatically with aging time, meaning that weathered microplastics in the environment are more chemically hazardous than fresh ones, with implications for water quality and human exposure.
Monitoring of compounds released from bioplastics and similar plant-based materials into water
Researchers monitored chemical compounds released from bioplastics and plant-based packaging materials into water, assessing whether these alternatives to conventional plastics leach substances that pose risks to aquatic organisms and human health. Results showed bioplastic materials release measurable quantities of leachable compounds, though profiles differed from those of conventional plastic materials.
Ecotoxicological assessment of microplastics in limnic systems with emphasis on chemicals released by weathering
This study examined both the physical and chemical toxicity of microplastics in freshwater ecosystems, with special focus on chemicals released when plastics are weathered by ultraviolet light. The research tested conventional and biodegradable plastics, addressing whether particle properties or leaching chemicals drive ecotoxicological effects.
Leaching kinetics and bioaccumulation potential of additive-derived organophosphate esters in microplastics
Researchers studied the leaching kinetics of organophosphate ester additives from microplastics in aquatic environments, finding that these flame retardants and plasticizers are released at rates that depend on temperature and water chemistry, with implications for bioaccumulation in aquatic organisms.
Leachability of microplastic from different plastic materials
This study tested the leachability of microplastics from several common plastic materials under environmental conditions, finding that plastic type and degradation state influence how readily microplastic particles are released.
Plastic additives and microplastics as emerging contaminants: Mechanisms and analytical assessment
Researchers reviewed how chemical additives mixed into plastics during manufacturing — including stabilizers, flame retardants, and plasticizers — can leach out throughout a plastic's lifecycle and pose risks to ecosystems and human health, with microplastics acting as carriers that concentrate and transport these hazardous chemicals.
Polyvinyl Chloride Microplastics Leach Phthalates into the Aquatic Environment over Decades
Researchers measured how phthalate plasticisers leach from polyvinyl chloride microplastics into water over extended time periods and found that the release process can continue for decades. The study identified the specific mass transfer mechanisms governing leaching rates for three common phthalates. These findings suggest that PVC microplastics represent a long-term source of chemical contamination in aquatic environments, far longer than previously appreciated.
Mini review of microplastic pollutions and its impact on the environment and human health
This mini review summarizes the sources, distribution, and environmental impacts of microplastic pollution, highlighting the health risks posed by chemical leaching from microplastics and the need for better reduction strategies.
pH-Responsive leaching profiles from photodegradation of microplastics
Researchers systematically examined how UV photodegradation of microplastics triggers pH-dependent release of chemical additives, non-intentionally added substances, and oligomers under controlled degradation conditions, characterising leaching profiles across a range of plastic polymer types. The study identified that pH strongly governs which hazardous compounds leach from degrading plastics and at what concentrations, revealing a mechanism by which environmental conditions modulate chemical risk from microplastic pollution.
Contaminant release from aged microplastic
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.
Microplastic in Water System: A Review of Their Impact on Environment, Current Perspective and Future Direction
This review highlights hazardous chemicals associated with micro- and nanoplastics, including plastic additives and absorbed environmental pollutants, and their potential health risks after entering the food chain. It frames microplastics as markers of a new geological era and calls for improved monitoring and regulation of plastic-associated toxicants.
Microplastic in Water System: A Review of Their Impact on Environment, Current Perspective and Future Direction
This review highlights hazardous chemicals associated with micro- and nanoplastics, including plastic additives and absorbed environmental pollutants, and their potential health risks after entering the food chain. It frames microplastics as markers of a new geological era and calls for improved monitoring and regulation of plastic-associated toxicants.
Insight into microplastics in the aquatic ecosystem: Properties, sources, threats and mitigation strategies
This review summarizes how microplastics contaminate aquatic ecosystems through various pathways, where they can absorb other toxic chemicals and become even more harmful. The findings are relevant to human health because microplastics in fish and shellfish from contaminated waters can carry these concentrated pollutants into our diets.
Degradation of microplastics in the natural environment: A comprehensive review on process, mechanism, influencing factor and leaching behavior
This review examines how microplastics break down in the environment through physical, chemical, and biological processes, and what happens as they degrade. As microplastics age and fragment, they release chemical additives and dissolved organic matter that can be toxic, meaning degrading plastics may actually become more harmful to ecosystems and human health over time.
Characterization of microplastic-derived dissolved organic matter in freshwater: Effects of light irradiation and polymer types
Researchers examined how different types of microplastics release dissolved organic matter into freshwater under light and dark conditions. They found that polypropylene released the most organic compounds after UV exposure, while protein-like substances were the main material released by most plastics in the dark. The study indicates that microplastics may have ongoing, long-term effects on water chemistry and microbial activity in natural water bodies.
Environmental source, fate, and toxicity of microplastics
This comprehensive review covers the sources, environmental fate, and toxic effects of microplastics across both aquatic and terrestrial environments. The study highlights that microplastics are now found virtually everywhere on Earth and can harm organisms through physical damage, chemical leaching, and by acting as carriers for other pollutants.