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61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Increased bio-toxicity of leachates from polyvinyl chloride microplastics during the photo-aging process in the presence of dissolved organic matter
ClearPhotoaging mechanisms of microplastics mediated by dissolved organic matter in an iron-rich aquatic environment
Researchers investigated how dissolved organic matter and iron mediate the photoaging of PVC and PET microplastics, finding that humic acid and iron accelerate surface degradation and alter the environmental behavior and risks of aged microplastics.
Photo-aging of polyvinyl chloride microplastic in the presence of natural organic acids
Researchers described a new photo-aging pathway for polyvinyl chloride microplastics in aquatic environments involving low-molecular-weight organic acids. The study found that natural organic acids and their iron complexes significantly accelerated the degradation of PVC microplastics under sunlight through hydroxyl radical generation, revealing how environmental conditions influence microplastic weathering.
Molecular properties of dissolved organic matter leached from microplastics during photoaging process
Researchers studied the molecular properties of dissolved organic matter that leaches from polyethylene, polypropylene, and PET microplastics during UV-driven photoaging. They found that PET released the most dissolved organic carbon, and that aging transformed protein-like components into humic-like substances. The leachate contained antioxidants, plasticizers, and antimicrobial agents, suggesting that aging microplastics release a complex mix of chemicals into aquatic environments.
Photo-induced leaching behaviors and biodegradability of dissolved organic matter from microplastics and terrestrial-sourced particles
Researchers studied how light exposure causes microplastics and terrestrial particles to leach dissolved organic matter, and how this leachate behaves in the environment. The study found differences in the biodegradability of leachate from plastic versus natural sources, suggesting that microplastic-derived organic matter may persist differently in aquatic ecosystems.
Irradiation and DOM mediate lead release from polyvinyl chloride microplastics in natural surface water
Lead released from PVC microplastics in natural water was found to reach 374–1,110 µg/L in darkness, but UV irradiation inhibited release by 34–59%, with dissolved organic matter (DOM) composition playing a key mediating role—raising concerns about heavy metal leaching from PVC plastics in aquatic environments.
Revealing the effect of humic substance compounds on the aged characteristics and release compounds profiles from photodegradation of polyethylene microplastics
This study investigated how humic substances (humic acid and fulvic acid) — natural organic compounds abundant in water and soil — affect how polyethylene microplastics degrade under UV light and what chemical by-products are released. Humic acid accelerated degradation more than fulvic acid, producing a wider range of oxidised breakdown compounds and releasing siloxane additives from the plastic. The findings matter because microplastics in real environments are always exposed to natural organic matter, which can substantially change both how fast they degrade and what toxic compounds they release.
Hydrophilic Fraction of Dissolved Organic Matter Largely Facilitated Microplastics Photoaging: Insights from Redox Properties and Reactive Oxygen Species
This study investigated how dissolved organic matter in natural water affects the breakdown of microplastics by sunlight. The water-soluble fraction of organic matter was most effective at speeding up microplastic aging by generating reactive oxygen species that attack the plastic surface. This matters because faster breakdown of microplastics in the environment creates smaller, potentially more dangerous nanoplastic particles that can more easily enter living organisms.
Dissolved organic matter derived from biodegradable microplastic promotes photo-aging of coexisting microplastics and alters microbial metabolism
Dissolved organic matter leaching from two biodegradable microplastics (PBAT/PCL blends) was characterized, finding that it can promote photo-oxidation reactions in water by acting as a photosensitizer. The study raises concerns that biodegradable plastics, while designed to break down, generate chemically reactive leachate with potential environmental impacts.
Photochemistry of microplastics-derived dissolved organic matter: Reactive species generation and organic pollutant degradation
Researchers investigated how dissolved organic matter released from degrading polystyrene and PVC microplastics behaves when exposed to sunlight in water. They found that sunlight breaks down the aromatic compounds in this plastic-derived material and generates reactive chemical species, though at lower rates than natural organic matter. Despite this, these reactive species significantly accelerated the breakdown of co-existing pollutants, suggesting that degrading microplastics may act as unexpected natural catalysts in aquatic environments.
Humic Acid and Fulvic Acid Hinder Long-Term Weathering of Microplastics in Lake Water
Researchers found that humic acid and fulvic acid in lake water significantly inhibit the photoaging of polypropylene microplastics under UV irradiation, suggesting that natural organic matter may slow microplastic weathering and prolong their persistence in freshwater environments.
Study on the photo-aging process and mechanism of polystyrene microplastics under different salinities mediated by humic acid
This study examined how sunlight breaks down polystyrene microplastics in water with different salt levels and dissolved organic matter. The combination of salt and humic acid accelerated the aging of microplastics, making them smaller and more chemically reactive. This matters because aged microplastics can more easily absorb toxic pollutants and are small enough to be taken up by organisms, increasing potential health risks.
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.
Change in adsorption behavior of aquatic humic substances on microplastic through biotic and abiotic aging processes
Researchers found that both UV irradiation and microbial aging of polyethylene microplastics significantly altered their surface chemistry, changing how aquatic humic substances adsorb onto the plastic surface and highlighting the importance of weathering state in assessing microplastic-contaminant interactions.
Microplastic degradations in simulated UV light, natural light and natural water body: A comparison investigation
Researchers compared how microplastics made of PVC, polyethylene, and polyamide break down under UV light, natural sunlight, and real-world water body conditions, finding that natural environments cause more complex degradation involving both biofilm growth and heavy metal interactions. Importantly, microplastics in natural water can both release and re-absorb heavy metals over time, complicating their environmental risk profile.
Preliminary insights into the photosensensitivity of bio-based plastics: Release of microplastic-derived organic matter in water under UV irradiation
Researchers conducted the first study on how bio-based microplastics made from PLA, PHA, and PLA-PHA mixtures release dissolved organic matter into water when exposed to UV light. They found that all three bio-based plastics were photosensitive, releasing measurable amounts of organic carbon and forming carbonyl bonds on their surfaces during irradiation. The findings suggest that even bio-based plastics can undergo significant degradation under sunlight, potentially affecting water quality.
Dissolved Organic Matter Enhanced the Aggregation and Oxidation of Nanoplastics under Simulated Sunlight Irradiation in Water
Dissolved organic matter was found to enhance both the aggregation and photooxidation of nanoplastics under simulated sunlight in water, with humic substances promoting particle clustering and accelerating surface oxidation. The results indicate that organic matter content in natural waters strongly influences nanoplastic fate and transformation.
Elucidating the characteristic of leachates released from microplastics under different aging conditions: Perspectives of dissolved organic carbon fingerprints and nano-plastics
Researchers investigated how different aging conditions affect the release of dissolved organic carbon and nanoplastics from PVC and polystyrene microplastics over 130 days. The study found that UV aging and high temperatures promoted the release of nanoplastics and altered the chemical characteristics of leached substances, with UV-aged treatments producing smaller, rougher nanoparticles that may pose greater ecological risks.
Dark Reduction of Hg(II) by Dissolved Organic Matter Derived from Aging Microplastics: Mechanisms and Implications
Researchers discovered that dissolved organic matter released from photoaged microplastics can convert toxic mercury into a less reactive form through dark chemical reactions. The organic matter from aged polystyrene, PVC, and polylactic acid reduced over 30% of mercury within 10 minutes, outperforming natural river organic matter. The findings suggest that as microplastic pollution increases in waterways, it may significantly alter mercury cycling in aquatic environments.
Dissolved Organic Matter Promotes the Aging Process of Polystyrene Microplastics under Dark and Ultraviolet Light Conditions: The Crucial Role of Reactive Oxygen Species
Researchers found that dissolved organic matter commonly present in natural water environments accelerates the aging and degradation of polystyrene microplastics under both dark and ultraviolet light conditions. The study identified reactive oxygen species as the crucial driver of this aging process, with fulvic acid showing a stronger effect than humic acid due to its greater ability to generate semiquinone radicals.
Potential disinfection byproducts-related risks to drinking water? Molecular insights into the dissolved organic matter from photodegradation of polyethylene microplastics
This study analyzed the dissolved organic matter released during photodegradation of polyethylene microplastics, finding that sunlight exposure generates complex organic compounds that could act as precursors to disinfection byproducts in drinking water treatment. The results highlight an underappreciated pathway by which microplastics may affect drinking water safety.
Molecular Weights of Dissolved Organic Matter Significantly Affect Photoaging of Microplastics
This study found that dissolved organic matter in natural water significantly speeds up how quickly microplastics break down under sunlight, with smaller organic molecules having the strongest effect. The breakdown process generates reactive chemical species that attack the plastic surfaces. This is important because it means microplastics in natural waters may fragment into smaller, potentially more harmful nanoplastics faster than lab studies using pure water would suggest.
Unraveling the role of natural and pyrogenic dissolved organic matter in photodegradation of biodegradable microplastics in freshwater
Researchers investigated how dissolved organic matter from natural sources versus biochar affects the breakdown of biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) microplastics in sunlight. Naturally sourced organic matter accelerated PLA degradation nearly twice as much as biochar-derived matter by generating more reactive oxygen species, suggesting that the type of organic matter in a waterway significantly influences whether biodegradable plastics actually break down.
Insight into the dynamic transformation properties of microplastic-derived dissolved organic matter and its contribution to the formation of chlorination disinfection by-products
Researchers studied how dissolved organic matter released from microplastics transforms under UV light and how it contributes to the formation of harmful disinfection byproducts during water chlorination. They found that UV exposure changed the chemical composition of the microplastic-derived organic matter, affecting its reactivity during disinfection. The findings suggest that microplastics in water sources may indirectly increase the formation of potentially harmful chemicals during standard water treatment.
Influences of molecular weight fractionated humic acids on polyamide 66 microplastic stability and toxicity in red tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)
Researchers found that humic acids of different molecular weights enhanced the stability and aquatic persistence of polyamide 66 microplastics, leading to greater accumulation in red tilapia gut tissues and increased oxidative stress, suggesting that dissolved organic matter worsens microplastic toxicity in real-world water environments.