Modifications of ultraviolet irradiation and chlorination on microplastics: Effect of sterilization pattern

A QSAR prediction model for adsorption of organic contaminants on microplastics: Dubinin-Astakhov plus linear solvation energy relationships

Numerous pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) co-exist with various types of microplastics (MPs) in the environment, making it extremely hard to experimentally measure all their adsorption interactions. Thus, a precise prediction model is on demand. In this study, we combined the commonly used Dubinin-Astakhov (DA) model and the linear solvation energy relationships (LSERs) model to predict the adsorption capacity (Q0) and adsorption affinity (E) of MPs for PPCPs, including the key parameters of MP (specific surface area, oxygen-containing functional groups), and the Kamlet-Taft solvation parameters of organic contaminants. The model was validated with the experimental data of 8 PPCPs and 8 MPs (i.e. pristine and aged PE, PET, PS, PVC) plus some published adsorption data. This new model also indicated that the adsorption of PPCPs on those MPs was primarily governed by hydrophobic interaction and hydrogen bonding. The developed model can predict the adsorption of PPCPs onto MPs with a high accuracy and can also provide insights into the understanding of interaction forces in the adsorption process.

Negligible adsorption and toxicity of microplastic fibers in disinfected secondary effluents

Wastewater treatment plants play a crucial role in controlling the transport of pollutants to the environment and often discharge persistent contaminants such as synthetic microplastic fibers (MFs) to the ecosystem. In this study, we examined the fate and toxicity of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) MFs fabricated from commercial cloth in post-disinfection secondary effluents by employing conditions that closely mimic disinfection processes applied in wastewater treatment plants. Challenging conventional assumptions, this study illustrated that oxidative treatment by chlorination and ozonation incurred no significant modification to the surface morphology of the MFs. Additionally, experimental results demonstrated that both pristine and oxidized MFs have minimal adsorption potential towards contaminants of emerging concern in both effluents and alkaline water. The limited adsorption was attributed to the inert nature of MFs and low surface area to volume ratio. Slight adsorption was observed for sotalol, sulfamethoxazole, and thiabendazole in alkaline water, where the governing adsorption interactions were suggested to be hydrogen bonding and electrostatic forces. Acute exposure experiments on human cells revealed no immediate toxicity; however, the chronic and long-term consequences of the exposure should be further investigated. Overall, despite the concern associated with MFs pollution, this work demonstrates the overall indifference of MFs in WWTP (i.e., minor effects of disinfection on MFs surface properties and limited adsorption potential toward a mix of trace organic pollutants), which does not change their acute toxicity toward living forms.

Assessing microplastics-antibiotics coexistence induced ciprofloxacin-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa at a water region scale

Microplastics (MPs) waste is widespread globally in water systems. The opportunistic human pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa can cause serious acute and chronic infections that are notoriously difficult to treat. Ciprofloxacin (CIP) is broadly applied as an anti-P. aeruginosa drug. A growing evidence reveals that antibiotic-resistance genes-carrying Pseudomonas aeruginosa were detected on MPs forming plastisphere due to their adsorbability along with high occurrence of CIP in water environments. The MPs-niched CIP-resistant P. aeruginosa has been likely to emerge as an unignorable public health issue. Here, we offered a novel approach to assess the development of CIP-resistant P. aeruginosa under MPs-antibiotic coexistence at a water region scale. By combing the adsorption isotherm models used to estimate CIP condensation around MPs and a pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic-based microbial population dynamic model, we predicted the P. aeruginosa development on CIP-adsorbed MPs in waters. Our assessment revealed a high antibiotic resistance in the P. aeruginosa populations (∼50 %) with a wider range of waterborne total cell counts (∼10-2-104 cfu mL-1) among water regions in that the resistance proportion was primarily determined by CIP pollution level and relative abundance of various polymer type of MPs. We implicate that water region-specific MPs were highly likely to provide media for P. aeruginosa propagation. Our results highlight the importance of antibiotic-resistant pathogen colonization-emerging environmental medium interactions when addressing global threat from MPs pollution, in the context of MPs-antibiotics co-contamination assessment and for the continued provision of water system management.

Modifying luteolin's algicidal effect on Microcystis by virgin and diversely-aged polystyrene microplastics: Unveiling novel mechanisms through microalgal adaptive strategies

Luteolin has shown great potential in inhibiting Microcystis-dominated cyanobacterial blooms. However, widespread microplastics (MPs) in natural aquatic systems often serve as substrates for cyanobacterial growth, which could impact cyanobacterial resistance to external stresses and interfere with luteolin's algicidal effect. This study explored the influence of virgin and diversely-aged polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) on inhibitory effect of luteolin on Microcystis growth and its microcystins (MCs) production/release. Moreover, the underlying mechanisms were also revealed by jointly analyzing SEM image, antioxidant response, exopolymeric substances (EPSs) production, and functional gene expression. Results suggested that 0.5, 5, and 50 mg/L virgin and diversely-aged PS-MPs almost weakened growth inhibition and oxidative damage of two doses of luteolin against Microcystisby stimulating its EPSs production and inducing self-aggregation of Microcystis cells and/or hetero-aggregation between Microcystis cells and PS-MPs. Compared to virgin PS-MPs, photo-aged PS-MPs possessed rougher flaky surfaces, and hydrothermal-aged PS-MPs showed internal cracking. These characteristics led to greater stimulation of EPS production and exhibited more significant protective effects on Microcystis. Notably, PS-MPs also decreased MCs content in aqueous phase, likely because they adsorbed some MCs. Such toxigenic hetero-aggregates formed by MCs, MPs, and Microcystis cells would directly poison grazing organisms that consume them and create more pathways for MCs into food web, posing greater eco-risks. This is the first study to clarify the influence and mechanisms of virgin and diversely-aged MPs on allelopathic algicidal effects from the perspective of microalgal inherent adaptive strategies.

Microplastics and volatile organic compounds released from face masks after disinfection: Layers and materials differences

Effective disinfection methods are critical for ensuring the reusability of masks, yet these methods may inadvertently introduce health concerns associated with microplastics (MPs) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This study investigated the impact of ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) and sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) bleaching on mask filter layers composed of four distinct materials. Our results revealed that UVGI induced more pronounced damage compared to bleaching, leading to the significant release of both MPs and VOCs. After UVGI treatment at conventional disinfection doses, meltblown (MB) fabrics released MPs reaching 864 ± 182 μg/g (92 ± 19 particles/g). For all filter layers, the quantity of released MPs followed the order: MB > HDPE>PU ≈ NW. These MPs were identified as degraded debris from the mask filter layers. The specific VOCs generated varied depending on the material composition. Non-woven (NW) and MB fabrics, both comprised of polypropylene, predominantly produced various branched aliphatic hydrocarbons and their derivative oxides. The cotton-like fabric, composed of high-density polyethylene, primarily emitted different linear aliphatic hydrocarbons and oxygenates. In contrast, the polyurethane filter layer of reusable masks released aromatic compounds, nitrogenous compounds, and their oxidation products. The formation of VOCs was primarily attributed to bond breakage and oxidative damage to the filter structure resulting from the disinfection process. In summary, as UVGI induced higher yields of MPs and VOCs compared to bleaching, the latter would be a safer option for mask disinfection.

Impact of non-aged and UV-aged microplastics on the formation of halogenated disinfection byproducts during chlorination of drinking water and its mechanism

Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitously present in source water and undergo ultraviolet (UV) aging in aquatic environments before entering drinking water treatment plants. The presence of MPs in drinking water can impact the formation of halogenated disinfection byproducts (DBPs) during chlorine disinfection, yet the exact effect of MPs on DBP formation remain unclear. In this study, we conducted an investigation into the influence of non-aged and UV-aged MPs on halogenated DBP formation in drinking water and unveiled the underlying mechanisms. In comparison to source water samples devoid of MPs, the total organic halogen concentration was reduced by 19%-43% and 4%-13% in the drinking water samples containing non-aged and aged MPs, respectively. The differing effects on halogenated DBP formation can be attributed to the alternation in physical and chemical characteristics of MPs following UV aging. Aged MPs exhibited larger surface area with signs of wear and tear, heightened hydrophilicity, surface oxidation, increased oxygen-containing functional groups and dechlorination during the UV aging process. Both non-aged and aged MPs possess the capability to adsorb natural organic matter, leading to a reduction in the concentration of DBP precursors in the source water. However, the release of organic compounds from aged MPs outweighed the adsorption of organics. Furthermore, as a result of the surface activation of MPs through the UV aging process, the aged MPs themselves can also serve as DBP precursors. Consequently, the presence of halogenated DBP precursors in source water increased, contributing to a higher level of DBP formation compared to source water containing non-aged MPs. Overall, this study illuminates the intricate relationship among MPs, UV aging, and DBP formation in drinking water. It highlights the potential risks posed by aged MPs in influencing DBP formation and offers valuable insights for optimizing water treatment processes.

Interfacial quantum chemical characterization of aromatic organic matter adsorption on oxidized microplastic surfaces

Examining the adsorption efficiency of individual contaminants on microplastics (MPs) is resource-intensive and time-consuming. To address this challenge, combined laboratory adsorption experiments with model simulations were performed to investigate the adsorption capacities and mechanisms of MPs before and after aging. Our adsorption experiments revealed that aged polyethylene (PE) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) MPs exhibited increased adsorption capacity for benzene, phenol, and naphthalene. Additionally, density functional theory (DFT) simulations provided insights into changes in adsorption sites, adsorption energy, and charge density on MPs. The π bond of the benzene ring emerged as a pivotal factor in the adsorption process, with van der Waals forces exerting dominant influence. For instance, the adsorption energy of benzene on pristine PE was -0.01879 eV. When oxidized groups, such as hydroxyl, carbonyl, and carboxyl, on the surface of aged PE became the adsorption sites, the adsorption energy increased to -0.06976, -0.04781, and -0.04903 eV, respectively. Regions with unoxidized functional groups also exhibited higher adsorption energies than pristine PE. These results indicated that aged PE had a stronger affinity for benzene compared to pristine PE, enhancing its adsorption. Charge density difference and energy density of states corroborated this observation, revealing larger π-bond charge accumulation areas for benzene on aged PE, suggesting stronger dipole interactions and enhanced adsorption. Similar trends were observed for phenol and naphthalene. In summary, the DFT calculations aligned with the adsorption experiment findings, confirming the effectiveness of simulation methods in predicting changes in the adsorption performance of aged MPs.

Gaseous products generated from polyethylene and polyethylene terephthalate during ultraviolet irradiation: Mechanism, pathway and toxicological analyses

The generation of various degradation products from microplastics (MPs) has been confirmed under ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. The gaseous products, primarily volatile organic compounds (VOCs), are usually overlooked, leading to potential unknown risks to humans and the environment. In this study, the generation of VOCs from polyethylene (PE) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) under UV-A (365 nm) and UV-C (254 nm) irradiation in water matrixes were compared. More than 50 different VOCs were identified. For PE, UV-A-derived VOCs mainly included alkenes and alkanes. On this basis, UV-C-derived VOCs included various oxygen-containing organics, such as alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acid and even lactones. For PET, both UV-A and UV-C irradiation induced the generation of alkenes, alkanes, esters, phenols, etc., and the differences between these two reactions were insignificant. Toxicological prioritization prediction revealed that these VOCs have diverse toxicological profiles. The VOCs with the highest potential toxicity were dimethyl phthalate (CAS: 131-11-3) from PE and 4-acetylbenzoate (3609-53-8) from PET. Furthermore, some alkane and alcohol products also presented high potential toxicity. The quantitative results indicated that the yield of these toxic VOCs from PE could reach 10² μg g^-1 under UV-C treatment. The degradation mechanisms of MPs included direct scission by UV irradiation and indirect oxidation induced by diverse activated radicals. The former mechanism was dominant in UV-A degradation, while UV-C included both mechanisms. Both mechanisms contributed to the generation of VOCs. Generally, MPs-derived VOCs can be released from water to the air after UV irradiation, posing a potential risk to ecosystems and human beings, especially for UV-C disinfection indoors in water treatments.

The Design, Synthesis and Application of Nitrogen Heteropolycyclic Compounds with UV Resistance Properties

Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light is known to cause skin aging, skin damage, cancer, and eye diseases, as well as polymer material aging. Therefore, significant attention has been devoted to the research and development of UV absorbers. Considering the robust hydrogen bonding and conjugated structure present in nitrogen-containing polycyclic compounds, these compounds have been selected as potential candidates for exploring ultraviolet absorption properties. After structural optimization and the simulation of ultraviolet absorption spectra, four tris-[1,2,4]-triazolo-[1,3,5]-triazine (TTTs) derivatives, namely TTTB, TTTD, TTTJ, and TTTL, were selected as the preferred compounds and synthesized. The structure of the compound was determined using various analytical techniques, including FTIR, ¹HNMR, ¹³CNMR, HRMS, and XRD. Subsequently, composite films of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and TTTs were produced using a simple solvent casting technique. The PVC films were subjected to UV age testing by exposing them to an ultraviolet aging chamber. The age-resistant performance of the fabricated films was evaluated using an ultraviolet spectrophotometer and Fourier infrared spectrum instrument. The findings suggest that TTTs exhibit a noteworthy capacity for absorbing ultraviolet radiation. The TTTL compound exhibits a superior UV absorption performance compared to commercially available UV absorbers such as UV-0 and UV-327 in the market.

Volatile organic compounds generation pathways and mechanisms from microplastics in water: Ultraviolet, chlorine and ultraviolet/chlorine disinfection

Disinfection in water treatments induces microplastics (MPs) to produce various derivative products, among which the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are still poorly understood. Ultraviolet (UV), chlorine and UV/chlorine disinfections were used to treat polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS) and polyvinylchloride (PVC) in this study. Modifications were observed on the MP surfaces, including melting, cracks, folds, and even forming oxygen-containing structures, resulting in the release of a diversity of VOCs. The polymer types of MPs influenced the VOCs characteristics. PP released alkanes, alkenes and aldehydes, while PVC released alkanes, alkenes and halogenated hydrocarbons. VOCs from PS were dominated by unique aromatic alkanes, alkenes and aldehydes. These derived VOCs are generated during different disinfections with distinct mechanisms. UV-C at 254 nm induced direct scission and radical oxidation on MPs. The derived VOCs were mainly bond-breaking fragments. Chlorination relied on HOCl/OCl^- electrophilic reactions, resulting fewer VOCs since C-C skeleton MPs have strong resistance to electrophilic reactions. UV/chlorination promotes the generation of chlorine radicals and hydroxyl radicals, thereby causing oxidative damage. Various oxidized VOCs, such as benzaldehyde and acetophenone, were formed. The disinfection reactions can produce various VOCs from MPs, posing potential risks to the ecological environment and human beings.

Advances in Polyethylene Terephthalate Beverage Bottle Optimization: A Mini Review

Compared with other materials, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) has high transparency, excellent physical and mechanical properties in a wide temperature range and good hygiene and safety, so it is widely used in the packaging industry, especially in the packaging of beverages and foods. The optimization of PET bottles is mainly reflected in three aspects: material optimization, structure optimization and process optimization, among which there is much research on material optimization and process optimization, but there is no complete overview on structure optimization. A summary of structural optimization is necessary. Aiming at structural optimization, the finite element method is a useful supplement to the beverage packaging industry. By combining the computer-aided design technology and using finite element software for finite element simulation, researchers can replace the experimental test in the pre-research design stage, predict the effect and save cost. This review summarizes the development of PET bottles for beverage packaging, summarizes various optimization methods for preventing stress cracking in beverage packaging, and especially focuses on comparing and evaluating the effects of several optimization methods for packaging structure. Finally, the future development of all kinds of optimization based on structural optimization in the field of beverage packaging is comprehensively discussed, including personalized design, the combination of various methods and the introduction of actual impact factor calculation.

Wastewater treatment plants act as essential sources of microplastic formation in aquatic environments: A critical review

According to extensive in situ investigations, the microplastics (MPs) determined in current wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are mostly aged, with roughened surfaces and varied types of oxygen-containing functional groups (i.e., carbonyl and hydroxyl). However, the formation mechanism of aged MPs in WWTPs is still unclear. This paper systematically reviewed MP fragmentation and generation mechanisms in WWTPs at different treatment stages. The results highlight that MPs are prone to undergo physical abrasion, biofouling, and chemical oxidation-associated weathering in WWTPs at different treatment stages and can be further decomposed into smaller secondary MPs, including in nanoplastics (less than 1000 nm or 100 nm in size), suggesting that WWTPs can act as a formation source for MPs in aquatic environments. Sand associated mechanical crashes in the primary stage, microbes in active sewage sludge-related biodegradation in the secondary stage, and oxidant-relevant chemical oxidation processes (light photons, Cl₂, and O₃) in the tertiary stage are the dominant causes of MP formation in WWTPs. For MP formation mechanisms in WWTPs, external environmental forces (shear and stress forces, UV radiation, and biodegradation) can first induce plastic chain scission, destroy the plastic molecular arrangement, and create abundant pores and cracks on the MP surface. Then, the physicochemical properties (modulus of elasticity, tensile strength and elongation at break) of MPs shift consequently and finally breakdown into smaller secondary MPs or nanoscale plastics. Overall, this review provides new insights to better understand the formation mechanism, occurrence, fate, and adverse effects of aged microplastics/nanoplastics in current WWTPs.