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Unfolding the interaction between microplastics and (trace) elements in water: A critical review
Gilberto Binda1, Davide Spanu2, Damiano Monticelli2
1Department of Science and High Technology, University of Insubria, Via Valleggio 11, 22100 Como, Italy; Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Gaustadalléen 21, 0349 Oslo, Norway.
Water Research
|September 18, 2021
Summary
Plastic pollution impacts the environment, with aged plastics showing a high affinity for metal ions. This review synthesizes current knowledge on plastic-metal interactions and proposes future research directions.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Materials Science
- Chemistry
Background:
- Plastic and microplastic pollution poses significant environmental and societal challenges.
- Emerging evidence reveals a strong interaction between environmental plastics and metal ions.
- Plastic ageing significantly influences the extent and type of metal ion interaction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically review and organize existing knowledge on metal ion accumulation on plastics.
- To discuss environmental factors controlling plastic-metal interactions.
- To propose a conceptual model for future research and provide recommendations for experimental approaches.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of field and laboratory studies on metal accumulation on plastics.
- Analysis of environmental factors influencing plastic-metal interactions.
- Inventory and discussion of thermodynamic data for plastic-metal interactions.
Main Results:
- Plastic ageing (mechanical, UV, biological) is a key factor in metal ion affinity.
- Environmental factors significantly control metal accumulation on plastic surfaces.
- Existing thermodynamic data present challenges in cross-comparability due to methodological limitations.
Conclusions:
- Plastic-metal interactions represent a novel and critical area of plastic pollution research.
- A conceptual model is proposed to guide future mechanistic studies.
- Standardized experimental and analytical techniques are needed to overcome current limitations and knowledge gaps.
