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Contrasting effects of phytoplankton aging on microplastic antibiotic adsorption depending on species tolerance, and
Claude Kiki1, Adénikè Bernice Eloise Adéoyé2, Xi Li3
1CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Fujian Key Laboratory of WatershedEcology, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100043, China; National Institute of Water, University of Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou 01 BP: 526, Benin.
Abstract:
Recent studies have reported conflicting results on the effects of biofouling on the adsorption behavior of microplastics (MPs). However, the underlying mechanisms driving the adsorption of MPs undergoing biofouling in aquatic environments remain unclear. This study examined the interactions between polyamide (PA), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyethylene (PE) with two phytoplankton, namely cyanobacteria Microcystis aeruginosa and microalgae Chlorella vulgaris. Results indicated that MP effects on phytoplankton were dose- and crystalline-type dependent, with M. aeruginosa being more sensitive to MP exposure than C. vulgaris in the inhibitory order PA > PE > PVC. Analysis of antibiotic adsorption of the MPs showed significant contributions from CH/π interactions on PE and PVC and hydrogen bonding on PA, which decreased with phytoplankton biofouling and aging. Meanwhile, higher levels of extracellular polymeric substances on microalgae-aged MPs compared to cyanobacteria-aged MPs were conducive to adsorption of antibiotics, mainly through hydrophobic interactions. Overall, promotional and anti-promotional adsorption of antibiotics on MPs was induced by biofouling and aging of microalgae and cyanobacteria, respectively. This study provides deep insights into the specific mechanisms by which biofouling affects MP adsorption in aquatic environments, thus advancing our understanding of this critical environmental issue.
Insights
Biofouling on microplastics (MPs) alters antibiotic adsorption. Microalgae-aged MPs enhance adsorption via hydrophobic interactions, while cyanobacteria-aged MPs reduce it, revealing complex environmental mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Environmental Chemistry
- Marine Biology
Background:
- Conflicting results exist on biofouling's impact on microplastic (MP) adsorption.
- Mechanisms of MP biofouling affecting adsorption in aquatic environments are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the interactions between common microplastics (polyamide, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene) and two phytoplankton species (Microcystis aeruginosa, Chlorella vulgaris).
- To elucidate the mechanisms of antibiotic adsorption on biofouled microplastics.
Main Methods:
- Examined interactions between PA, PVC, and PE microplastics with M. aeruginosa and C. vulgaris.
- Analyzed antibiotic adsorption on microplastics with varying degrees of biofouling and aging.
- Investigated contributions of CH/π interactions, hydrogen bonding, and hydrophobic interactions.
Main Results:
- Microplastic effects on phytoplankton were dose- and crystalline-type dependent, with M. aeruginosa more sensitive (PA > PE > PVC).
- Phytoplankton biofouling decreased CH/π and hydrogen bonding contributions to antibiotic adsorption.
- Extracellular polymeric substances on microalgae-aged MPs promoted antibiotic adsorption via hydrophobic interactions, unlike cyanobacteria-aged MPs.
Conclusions:
- Biofouling and aging of microalgae and cyanobacteria differentially influence antibiotic adsorption on microplastics.
- Microalgae-aged MPs promote antibiotic adsorption, while cyanobacteria-aged MPs inhibit it.
- This study provides critical insights into the mechanisms governing biofouling effects on MP adsorption in aquatic systems.
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