Additives and polymer composition influence the interaction of microplastics with xenobiotics

Environmental context The effects of the presence polymer additives and polymeric structure on sorption xenobiotics to microplastics remain unclear. Our results combined data from experimental batch experiments using three environmentally relevant model sorbates with confocal microscopy. This provides clear evidence that both factors play a major role in strength underlying process, affecting onto particle surface partitioning into bulk polymer. Abstract Microplastics are particulate contaminants global concern. Interactions organic frequently studied commercially available materials as surrogates. influence (i.e. internal 3D geometry monomer chain length) their interactions remains work investigates environmental concern two polyamide (PA) polyvinyl chloride (PVC) sorbents different molecular composition additive content, respectively. Sorption was complementary isotherms laser-scanning PVC increased affinity owing an sorbent hydrophobicity higher void volume within Surface area normalisation indicated adsorption for unplasticised absorption 1,2-cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid diisononyl ester (DINCH)-plasticised PVC, which were confirmed strong PA mainly driven by hydrogen-bond interactions. contribution depended features sorbate. Confocal microscopy showed PA6 taking up more sorbate its matrix than PA12, being chemical composition. difference could be attributed swelling capability PA6. emphasise have taken consideration when substances plastics is investigated.