Organic Contaminants and Interactions with Micro- and Nano-Plastics in the Aqueous Environment: Review of Analytical Methods
Open Access
- 22 February 2021
- Vol. 26 (4), 1164
- https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26041164
Abstract
Micro- and nanoplastic particles are increasingly seen not only as contaminants themselves, but also as potential vectors for trace organic chemicals (TOrCs) that might sorb onto these particles. An analysis of the sorbed TOrCs can either be performed directly from the particle or TOrCs can be extracted from the particle with a solvent. Another possibility is to analyze the remaining concentration in the aqueous phase by a differential approach. In this review, the focus is on analytical methods that are suitable for identifying and quantifying sorbed TOrCs on micro- and nano-plastics. Specific gas chromatography (GC), liquid chromatography (LC) and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-VIS) methods are considered. The respective advantages of each method are explained in detail. In addition, influencing factors for sorption in the first place are being discussed including particle size and shape (especially micro and nanoparticles) and the type of polymer, as well as methods for determining sorption kinetics. Since the particles are not present in the environment in a virgin state, the influence of aging on sorption is also considered.Funding Information
- Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung (Project SubμTrack, grant number 02WPL1443A)
This publication has 120 references indexed in Scilit:
- Transformations of Nanomaterials in the EnvironmentEnvironmental Science & Technology, 2012
- Transport and release of chemicals from plastics to the environment and to wildlifePhilosophical Transactions B, 2009
- Accumulation and fragmentation of plastic debris in global environmentsPhilosophical Transactions B, 2009
- A Review of Synthetic Polymer Characterization by Pyrolysis–GC–MSChromatographia, 2009
- Adsorption of organic molecules on silica surfaceAdvances in Colloid and Interface Science, 2006
- Concentration of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in beached resin pellets: Variability among individual particles and regional differencesMarine Pollution Bulletin, 2005
- Uptake of Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) from an Aqueous Medium by Polyethylene, Polyvinyl Chloride, and Polystyrene FilmsJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 2004
- Lost at Sea: Where Is All the Plastic?Science, 2004
- Fast identification of polymer additives by pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometryJournal of Analytical and Applied Pyrolysis, 2003
- Desorption kinetics of chlorobenzenes, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and polychlorinated biphenyls: Sediment extraction with Tenax® and effects of contact time and solute hydrophobicityEnvironmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 1997