Plastic additives and microplastics as emerging contaminants: Mechanisms and analytical assessment

• DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2022.116898
• Publication Date: 2022-12-26T16:04:39Z
• Authors: João Pinto da Costa; Astrid Avellan; Catherine Mouneyrac; Armando Duarte; Teresa Rocha-Santos
• Keywords: [SDE] Environmental Sciences; [SDE]Environmental Sciences; 01 natural sciences; 0105 earth and related environmental sciences

Plastic additives comprise a plethora of substances that serve numerous purposes in the plastic industry. These can be used to assist molding plastics and contribute providing optimal performance material when molded used, or, simply, reduce costs. However, these additives, non-polymerized monomers, far more hazardous than their poly-counterparts, may released throughout entire life cycle plastics, posing risks environment and, ultimately, human health. Hence, many studies have delved into mechanistic uptake/release compounds. Herein, we briefly overview current knowledge on underlying processes affecting mechanisms. We also outline potential ecological consequences explore some prevailing analytical methodologies for determination both laboratory studies. Furthermore, highlight key limitations currently available literature present prospective outlook future research.