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Updated: May 11, 2026
Magnetic and Thermal-sensitive PolyN-isopropylacrylamide-based Microgels for Magnetically Triggered Controlled Release
Published on: July 4, 2017
Efficient magnetic capture of PE microplastic from water by PEG modified Fe3O4 nanoparticles: Performance, kinetics,
Yifan Zhang1, Jingjing Duan2, Ruiqian Liu2
1College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; Key Laboratory of Agro-Environment in Downstream of Yangze Plain, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Agricultural Resources and Environment, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, China.
Abstract:
Due to their resistance to degradation, wide distribution, easy diffusion and potential uptake by organisms, microplastics (MPs) pollution has become a major environmental concern. In this study, PEG-modified Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles demonstrated superior adsorption efficiency against polyethylene (PE) microspheres compared to other adsorbents (bare Fe3O4, PEI/Fe3O4 and CA/Fe3O4). The maximum adsorption capacity of PE was found to be 2203 mg/g by adsorption isotherm analysis. PEG/Fe3O4 maintained a high adsorption capacity even at low temperature (5°C, 2163 mg/g), while neutral pH was favorable for MP adsorption. The presence of anions (Cl-, SO42-, HCO3-, NO3-) and of humic acids inhibited the adsorption of MPs. It is proposed that the adsorption process was mainly driven by intermolecular hydrogen bonding. Overall, the study demonstrated that PEG/Fe3O4 can potentially be used as an efficient control against MPs, thus improving the quality of the aquatic environment and of our water resources.
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