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Interface adsorption characteristics of microplastics on multiple morphological arsenic compounds
Di Zhang1, Jingxi Li2, Chengjun Sun2
1Qingdao Key Laboratory of Analytical Technology Development and Offshore Eco-Environment Conservation, First Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Qingdao 266061, China.
Journal of Hazardous Materials
|February 4, 2025
Summary
Polystyrene and polyethylene terephthalate microplastics adsorb arsenic compounds, with adsorption influenced by environmental factors. These microplastics also affect antioxidant activity, highlighting potential environmental risks.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Materials Science
- Toxicology
Background:
- Polystyrene (PS) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) degrade into microplastics, posing environmental pollution risks.
- Microplastics can adsorb pollutants, leading to composite pollution effects and potential toxicological impacts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the adsorption characteristics of PS and PET microplastics for various arsenic compounds.
- To evaluate the influence of environmental factors on arsenic binding to microplastics.
- To assess the impact of microplastics and arsenic on antioxidant activity.
Main Methods:
- Adsorption kinetics and isotherm analyses using pseudo-first-order, Langmuir, and Freundlich models.
- Desorption studies using simulated gastric and intestinal fluids.
- Investigation of environmental factors (aging, pH, salinity, anions, humic acid) on arsenic binding.
- Evaluation of microplastic and arsenic effects on reduced glutathione (GSH)-mediated radical scavenging (DPPH assay).
Main Results:
- PS and PET exhibited differential adsorption capacities for arsenic compounds, with PS showing high affinity for monomethylarsonic acid (MMA).
- Adsorption equilibrium was rapidly achieved, with kinetics described by pseudo-first-order and isotherms by Langmuir/Freundlich models.
- Aging and humic acid enhanced arsenic adsorption, while salinity, anions, and high pH reduced it.
- Microplastics inhibited GSH's radical scavenging, whereas arsenate enhanced it, suggesting synergistic effects.
Conclusions:
- PS and PET microplastics play a role in the environmental transport of arsenic compounds.
- Environmental conditions significantly modulate arsenic-microplastic interactions.
- The combined presence of microplastics and arsenic may alter oxidative stress dynamics in the environment.
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