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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
Researchers monitored the leaching of chemical substances from microplastics into surrounding water over time, quantifying what compounds are released under aquatic conditions. The study found that microplastics continuously release a range of substances, adding to their environmental hazard beyond physical particle 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Leaching of endocrine disrupting chemicals from marine microplastics and mesoplastics under common life stress conditions
Researchers measured the leaching of endocrine disrupting chemicals from marine microplastics and mesoplastics collected from the field under stress conditions that mimic real-world exposure. They found that bisphenol A was the most frequently detected compound, and that smaller plastic particles released greater quantities of these chemicals per unit mass. The study suggests that microplastics in the marine environment act as sources of hormone-disrupting substances that could affect wildlife and potentially human health.
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.
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.
Physical and chemical toxicity of microplastics on marine organisms
This PhD thesis investigated the physical and chemical toxicity of microplastics to marine organisms, conducting long-term leaching experiments (up to 8 months) and an in situ field study across nine European rivers. The research found that plastic leachates retain toxicity over extended periods and that environmental plastic surfaces adsorb significant inorganic and organic pollutants with detectable downstream biological effects.
Microplastic contaminants in the aqueous environment, fate, toxicity consequences, and remediation strategies
This review covers the sources, fate, and toxic effects of microplastic contaminants in aquatic environments, along with current remediation strategies for removing them. Researchers found that microplastics cause various health problems in aquatic organisms and can enter the human food chain through contaminated seafood and water. The study emphasizes the urgent need for improved waste management and novel cleanup technologies to address microplastic pollution in water systems.
Which Micropollutants in Water Environments Deserve More Attention Globally?
This review analyzed over 80 studies to determine which chemical micropollutants in water deserve the most attention for cleanup efforts worldwide. Using risk-based methods, researchers identified hundreds of compounds from pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and industrial chemicals that pose risks to aquatic life and human health. While not focused on microplastics directly, the findings are relevant because microplastics can absorb and concentrate many of these same chemicals, potentially increasing human exposure through contaminated water.
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.
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.
Microplastics in Aquatic Environments: Sources, Ecotoxicity, Detection & Remediation
This review provides a comprehensive overview of microplastic sources, ecotoxicity, detection methods, and remediation strategies in aquatic environments. Researchers found that microplastics act as carriers for toxic chemicals and pose threats to both marine and freshwater ecosystems as well as human health through drinking water exposure. The study highlights the need for improved detection technologies and effective remediation approaches to address this growing environmental challenge.
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.
Effect of microplastics in water and aquatic systems
This review examines the sources, distribution, and effects of microplastics in water and aquatic systems globally. Researchers found that microplastics are ingested by a wide range of aquatic organisms, leading to accumulation of toxic substances and disruption of physiological functions. The study highlights the urgent need for better waste management policies and further research into the long-term ecological consequences of microplastic pollution in freshwater and marine environments.
Interaction of chemical contaminants with microplastics: Principles and perspectives
This review examines how microplastics interact with chemical contaminants in the environment, acting as carriers that can transport pollutants through aquatic food webs. Researchers describe how polymer structure, weathering, and crystallinity influence a microplastic's ability to absorb and release environmental pollutants. The study notes that most research has relied on pristine laboratory plastics rather than field samples, creating a gap in our understanding of real-world contamination dynamics.
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.