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Non-targeted analysis for organic components of microplastic leachates
Yubo Li1, Zhibo Lu1, Dimitri Panagopoulos Abrahamsson2
1College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Shanghai 200092, PR China.
The Science of the Total Environment
|November 14, 2021
Summary
Simulated gastric fluid leaches more organic compounds from microplastics than freshwater or seawater. Recycled plastics release significantly more characteristic compounds than raw plastics, impacting environmental assessments.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
- Materials Science
Background:
- Microplastics are ubiquitous environmental contaminants.
- Leaching of organic compounds from microplastics can alter their environmental impact.
- Understanding leachate composition is crucial for risk assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate organic components in microplastic leachates under various conditions.
- To compare leaching capacities of simulated gastric fluid, river water, and seawater.
- To analyze differences in leachate composition between raw and recycled microplastics.
Main Methods:
- Integrated non-targeted analysis of microplastic leachates.
- Leaching experiments using simulated gastric fluid, river water, and seawater.
- Analysis of common polymer types (polyethylene, polypropylene, PVC, PET, polyester).
- Statistical analysis including volcano plots and Chi-squared tests.
Main Results:
- Identified 111 features in simulated gastric fluid, 98 in river water, and 53 in seawater leachates.
- Confirmed 5 compounds using reference standards.
- Simulated gastric fluid demonstrated higher leaching capacity.
- Recycled plastics released significantly more characteristic organic features compared to raw plastics.
Conclusions:
- Simulated gastric fluid is a more potent medium for leaching organic compounds from microplastics.
- Distinct differences exist in the organic composition of leachates from raw versus recycled microplastics.
- Findings provide critical insights into the environmental behavior and effects of microplastic pollution.
