Sorption of benzo(a)pyrene and of a complex mixture of petrogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons onto polystyrene microplastics

Microplastics (MPs) largely occur in aquatic ecosystems due to degradation of larger plastics or release from MP-containing products. Due the hydrophobic nature and large specific surface MPs, other contaminants, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), can potentially sorb onto MPs. Several studies have addressed potential impact MPs vectors PAHs for organisms. Therefore role sorbents these compounds should be carefully investigated. The present study aimed determine sorption capacity benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P), a model pyrolytic PAH, polystyrene (PS) different sizes (4.5 0.5 μm). In addition, water accommodated fraction (WAF) naphthenic North Sea crude oil 4.5 μm was also studied complex mixture petrogenic that could appear oil-polluted environments. results indicated showed higher maximum (Q max ) B(a)P (145–242.89 μg/g) than (30.50–67.65 μg/g). From WAF mixture, naphthalene sorbed at extent but with weak binding interactions (K f = 69.25 L/g; 1/n 0.46) according analysis aqueous phase, whereas phenanthrene stronger 0.24 0.98) based on solid phase. Sorption relatively limited driven by hydrophobicity initial concentration each PAH. Overall, indicate estimations solely phase overestimate carry PAHs. Therefore, controlled laboratory assays assessing “Trojan Horse effect” organisms consider findings order design accurate relevant experimental procedures.