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Adsorption interactions between typical microplastics and enrofloxacin: Relevant contributions to the mechanism
Xiang Li1, Huating Jiang2, Liya Zhu1
1College of Resources and Environment, Northeast Agricultural University, No.600 Changjiang Road, Xiangfang District, Harbin, 150030, China.
Abstract:
Microplastics (MPs) are increasingly contaminating the environment and they can combine with antibiotics as carriers to form complex contaminants. In this study, we systematically investigated the interactions between the antibiotic enrofloxacin (ENR) and MPs comprising polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polystyrene (PS). Characterization was performed by using conventional techniques and the mechanisms involved in interactions were initially explored based on adsorption kinetics, isotherms, and resolution experiments, and the adsorption capacities of the MPs were determined. In addition, the extended Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek theory was used to investigate the interaction mechanisms. The results showed that the interactions were weaker in strong acidic and alkaline environments, and the interactions were also inhibited at higher salt ion concentrations. The saturation adsorption amounts of ENR on PVC, PE, and PS were 74.63 μg/g, 103.09 μg/g, and 142.86 μg/g, respectively. The interactions between MPs and ENR were dominated by hydrophobic interactions, followed by van der Waals forces and acid-base forces. This study provides new insights into the adsorption behavior of ENR by MPs.
Insights
Microplastics (MPs) readily bind with the antibiotic enrofloxacin (ENR), forming complex environmental contaminants. This study quanties ENR adsorption on MPs, revealing hydrophobic interactions as the primary binding mechanism.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Environmental Chemistry
- Materials Science
Background:
- Microplastics (MPs) are pervasive environmental pollutants.
- Antibiotics like enrofloxacin (ENR) are frequently detected in the environment.
- MPs can act as carriers for antibiotics, creating complex contaminants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically investigate the interactions between enrofloxacin (ENR) and common microplastics (polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene).
- To determine the adsorption capacities of MPs for ENR.
- To elucidate the mechanisms governing the interactions between ENR and MPs.
Main Methods:
- Characterization of MP-ENR interactions using conventional techniques.
- Adsorption kinetics, isotherms, and resolution experiments to explore interaction mechanisms.
- Application of the extended Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek (DLVO) theory.
Main Results:
- Saturation adsorption amounts of ENR were determined for PVC (74.63 μg/g), PE (103.09 μg/g), and PS (142.86 μg/g).
- Interactions were weaker in strong acidic/alkaline conditions and inhibited by high salt concentrations.
- Hydrophobic interactions dominated, followed by van der Waals and acid-base forces.
Conclusions:
- Microplastics exhibit significant adsorption capacities for enrofloxacin.
- Environmental factors like pH and salinity influence MP-ENR interactions.
- Understanding these interactions is crucial for assessing the environmental fate of antibiotics and microplastics.
