Microplastics as a Trojan horse for trace metals

• DOI: 10.1016/j.hazl.2021.100035
• Publication Date: 2021-07-29T17:19:04Z
• Authors: L. Hildebrandt; F.L. Nack; T. Zimmermann; D. Pröfrock
• Keywords: Metalloid

Due to an assumed lack of anionic binding sites (most plastics are non-polar), scientists long considered virgin particulate inert towards metal ions. However, we proved significant sorption microplastics at neutral pH and release in a solution mimicking gastrointestinal chemistry serving as proof-of-principle for environmental human bioavailability. Competitive ion-exchange incubation experiments comprised 55 metals metalloids. Fast kinetics were observed with 45 %–75 % As, Be, Bi, Cr, Fe, In, Pb, Th, Sn the rare-earth element ions being sorbed after 1 h. The investigated metalloid cations showed differences extent sorption, based upon which distinct categorization was possible. Microplastics not only potential danger aquatic life, but - demonstrated this paper also serve Trojan Horse dissolved cations. corresponding effects on health will gain higher importance near future due predicted increases marine plastic litter microplastic sorbents.