Microplastics in soil and water can accumulate more pollutants if its structure is disrupted. This discovery was made by scientists from Novgorod State University (NovSU). The research by scientists shows that not the shape of the particles, but precisely their surface plays a key role in adsorption.
Specialists from the university's analytical laboratory conducted a study in which they examined how the shape and surface structure of microplastic particles affect their ability to retain pollutants. In the course of the experiments, polystyrene was chosen as one of the most common types of microplastics. Scientists analyzed particles ranging in size from 2 to 5 micrometers, using various microscopy methods and solvent treatments.
We found that if the structure of the surface layer of microplastic particles consists of tightly packed polystyrene chains, it doesn't matter what shape these particles have: spherical, asymmetric, or other. The sorption properties of microplastics do not change from this. But if this structure is changed, then its sorption capacity will increase, as the specific surface area of the particles will increase, and new micro- and mesopores will appear in them
The research is important for understanding the behavior of microplastics in the environment and its potential threat to the ecosystem and human health. Microplastics can cause inflammation, hormonal imbalances, allergies, and other diseases, as it contains toxic substances and damages tissues. The impact of microplastics on health is still being studied, but its spread poses a serious environmental and medical problem.
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