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Sorption of polybrominated diphenyl ethers by microplastics
Pengcheng Xu1, Wei Ge2, Chao Chai1
1Qingdao Engineering Research Center for Rural Environment, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China.
Marine Pollution Bulletin
|October 9, 2019
Summary
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) sorbed onto microplastics, with sorption capacity varying by plastic type. Polystyrene showed the highest capacity, indicating physical, multilayer sorption influenced by temperature and dissolved organic matter.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Polymer Science
Background:
- Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are persistent organic pollutants found in microplastics.
- Microplastics, ubiquitous environmental contaminants, can sorb various pollutants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the sorption behavior of PBDEs onto different microplastic types.
- To evaluate the influence of environmental factors on PBDE sorption.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of PBDE sorption onto polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, and polyamide microplastics.
- Application of kinetic and isotherm models.
- Investigation under varying temperature, pH, salinity, and dissolved organic matter (DOM) conditions.
Main Results:
- Sorption capacity followed the order: polystyrene > polyamide > polypropylene > polyethylene.
- Second-order kinetics and surface sorption were dominant mechanisms, indicating a physical, multilayer sorption process.
- Low temperatures reduced sorption; DOM negatively impacted sorption, while pH and salinity showed minimal influence.
Conclusions:
- Microplastic type significantly affects PBDE sorption capacity.
- Environmental factors like temperature and DOM play crucial roles in PBDE-microplastic interactions.
- Understanding these interactions is vital for assessing PBDE environmental fate and transport.
