Complex release dynamics of microplastic additives: An interplay of additive degradation and microplastic aging

Abstract

This study investigates the complex dynamics of additive release from microplastics in aquatic environments under natural ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which is critical for assessing ecotoxicological impacts and developing pollution remediation strategies. We focused on release kinetics of additives (Dimethyl phthalate (DMP), Dibutyl phthalate (DBP), Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), Bisphenol A (BPA) and Decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209)) from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE), and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) microplastics exposed to UV light, exploring the interplay between additive release, photodegradation, and microplastic aging. Initial results showed a consistent release pattern, but under UV exposure, the release became more complex due to additive degradation and changes in the microplastics' structure. Factors such as polymer type, microplastic size, additive content, and environmental conditions (UV or darkness) significantly influenced the release quantity and kinetics. UV-induced additive degradation altered the concentration gradient between the microplastic and water, while aging, marked by changes in surface chemistry and internal polymer breakdown, accelerated additive release. By applying Inner Particle Diffusion (IPD) and Aqueous Boundary Layer Diffusion (ABLD) models, we demonstrated how UV-induced degradation and aging affected key parameters like the diffusion and partition coefficients, impacting the overall release process. These insights lay the foundation for understanding the environmental risks posed by microplastic additives and developing strategies to mitigate their impact in aquatic ecosystems.