Adsorption of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) and Microcystins by Virgin and Weathered Microplastics in Freshwater Matrices

Yucong Shi; Husein Almuhtaram; Robert C. Andrews

doi:10.3390/polym15183676

journal article Open Access Sep 06, 2023

Adsorption of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) and Microcystins by Virgin and Weathered Microplastics in Freshwater Matrices

Yucong Shi

Husein Almuhtaram

Robert C. Andrews

Polymers Vol. 15 No. 18 pp. 3676 · MDPI AG

View at Publisher Save 10.3390/polym15183676

Abstract

Microplastics and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) both represent persistent groups of environmental contaminants that have been associated with human health risks. Microcystin toxins are produced and stored in the cells of cyanobacteria and may be released into sources of drinking water. Recent concerns have emerged regarding the ability of microplastics to adsorb a range of organic contaminants, including PFAS and microcystins. This study examined the adsorption of two long-chain and two short-chain PFAS, as well as two common microcystins, by both virgin and weathered microplastics in freshwater. Natural weathering of microplastic surfaces may decrease adsorption by introducing hydrophilic oxygen-containing functional groups. Up to 50% adsorption of perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) was observed for virgin PVC compared to 38% for weathered PVC. In contrast, adsorption capacities for microcystins by virgin LDPE were approximately 5.0 µg/g whereas no adsorption was observed following weathering. These results suggest that adsorption is driven by specific polymer types and dominated by hydrophobic interactions. This is the first known study to quantify PFAS and microcystins adsorption when considering environmentally relevant concentrations as well as weathered microplastics.

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Details

Published: Sep 06, 2023
Vol/Issue: 15(18)
Pages: 3676
License: View

Authors

Y

Yucong Shi

Department of Civil and Mineral Engineering, University of Toronto, 35 St George Street, Toronto, ON M5S 1A4, Canada

H

Husein Almuhtaram

Department of Civil and Mineral Engineering, University of Toronto, 35 St George Street, Toronto, ON M5S 1A4, Canada

R

Robert C. Andrews

Department of Civil and Mineral Engineering, University of Toronto, 35 St George Street, Toronto, ON M5S 1A4, Canada

Funding

Environment and Climate Change Canada Award: GCXE21S054

Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Industrial Research Chair in Drinking Water Treatment at the University of Toronto Award: GCXE21S054

Cite This Article

Yucong Shi, Husein Almuhtaram, Robert C. Andrews (2023). Adsorption of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) and Microcystins by Virgin and Weathered Microplastics in Freshwater Matrices. Polymers, 15(18), 3676. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15183676

Adsorption of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) and Microcystins by Virgin and Weathered Microplastics in Freshwater Matrices

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