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Sampling, Identification and Characterization of Microplastics Release from Polypropylene Baby Feeding Bottle during Daily Use
Published on: July 24, 2021
Disinfection inducing release of contaminants from baby play mats: Microplastics and volatile organic compounds
Huali Ou1, Chenjie Zhang1, Yaoyu Cao2
1Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Center for Environmental Microplastics Studies, School of Environment and Climate, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 511443, China; Key Laboratory of Philosophy and Social Science in Guangdong Province of Community of Life for Man and Nature, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 511443, China.
Abstract:
Baby play mats serve as essential protective equipment widely utilized in residences, daycares, and kindergartens. Given their direct contact with infants and young children, the pollutants released from play mats may pose potential health risks. This study investigated the impact of disinfection on the release of microplastics (MPs) from play mats and offers an in-depth analysis of the derived volatile organic compounds (VOCs) release. The results revealed that various disinfection treatments promoted the release of MPs from play mats. Among them, chlorination bleaching induced play mats to produce 2-3 times less MPs than ultraviolet sterilization (UVS) and UV-bleaching disinfection. The generation potential of MPs derived from play mats of different materials was ranked as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) > polypropylene (PP) ≈ polyethylene (PE) > polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Furthermore, PE play mat released highest concentration of total VOC after disinfection, increasing from 1.82 mg/m2 (control) to 15.82 mg/m2 (UV-bleaching). However, PVC released the most species of VOCs, with 76 species identified through non-target screening, such as several alkanes, alkenes, alcohols, ketones, etc. Through toxicological prediction, VOCs with high toxic potential were identified. Individual VOCs from PP, such as Pentadecane (CAS: 629-62-9), exhibited high yields at 3.16 ng/g after UV-bleaching treatment. In conclusion, chlorination bleaching is safer than UVS and UV-bleaching disinfection in mitigating the release of pollutants from play mats.
Insights
Chlorination bleaching releases fewer microplastics (MPs) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from baby play mats compared to UV sterilization. This disinfection method is safer for mitigating pollutant release from play mats.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Materials Science
- Toxicology
Background:
- Baby play mats are essential for child safety but can release pollutants.
- Disinfection of play mats may increase health risks due to pollutant release.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of disinfection on microplastic (MP) and volatile organic compound (VOC) release from play mats.
- To analyze the MP and VOC release potential from different play mat materials.
Main Methods:
- Assessed MP release from various play mat materials under different disinfection methods (chlorination bleaching, UV sterilization, UV-bleaching).
- Analyzed VOC release using non-target screening and toxicological prediction.
- Quantified MP and VOC concentrations.
Main Results:
- Disinfection treatments increased MP release; chlorination bleaching produced 2-3 times fewer MPs than UV methods.
- MP generation potential: PET > PP ≈ PE > PVC.
- PE mats showed highest total VOCs post-disinfection; PVC mats released the most VOC species (76).
- Toxicological prediction identified high-potential VOCs, including Pentadecane from PP mats.
Conclusions:
- Chlorination bleaching is a safer disinfection method for play mats, reducing MP and VOC release compared to UV sterilization and UV-bleaching.
- Material type significantly influences MP and VOC generation potential.
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