Adsorption of perfluoroalkyl substances on microplastics under environmental conditions,
Environmental Pollution, Volume 235, 2018, Pages 680-691, ISSN 0269-7491,

Abstract:

Plastic debris has become an environmental problem during recent years. Among the plastic debris, microplastics (<5 mm; MPLs) imply an extra problem due to their capacity to enter into the fauna through ingestion.
In this work, we study the capacity of three MPLs, that include high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polystyrene (PS) and polystyrene carboxylate (PS-COOH), to sorb 18 perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs; including carboxylic acids, sulphonates and one sulphonamide) from the surrounding waters (freshwater and seawater). Conclusions drawn from the results are that perfluoro sulphonates and sulphonamides have more tendency to be sorbed onto MPLs. In addition, PS and PS-COOH have more affinity for PFASs than HDPE. Finally, the increment of conductivity and pH of the water decreases the exposure time that is necessary to reach equilibrium. However, the presence of salts decreases the tendency of PFASs to be sorbed onto plastic surfaces.
These results highlight the problem associated with the presence of MPLs in inland and marine waters since toxic compounds can be sorbed onto surrounding plastics that could be ingested by aquatic fauna.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1rtdzyjDJ0A375NPIpVx_KudbRZihrEQc

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2017.12.075.(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0269749117323436)

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Environmental Pollution,

Screening of Bacillus strains isolated from mangrove ecosystems in Peninsular Malaysia for microplastic degradation,

Available online 28 September 2017, ISSN 0269-7491

Abstract:

The continuous accumulation of microplastics in the environment poses ecological threats and has been an increasing problem worldwide. In this study, eight bacterial strains were isolated from mangrove sediment in Peninsular Malaysia to mitigate the environmental impact of
microplastics and develop a clean-up option.

The bacterial isolates were screened for their potential to degrade UV-treated microplastics from polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP),and polystyrene (PS). Only two isolates, namely, Bacillus cereus and Bacillus gottheilii, grew on a synthetic medium containing different microplastic polymers as the sole carbon source. A shake flask experiment was carried out to further evaluate the biodegradability potential of the isolates. Degradation was monitored by recording the weight loss of microplastics and the growth pattern of the isolates in the mineral medium. The biodegradation extent was validated by assessment of the morphological and structural changes through scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analyses.

The calculated weight loss percentages of the microplastic particles by B. cereus after 40 days were 1.6%, 6.6%, and 7.4% for PE,
PET, and PS, respectively. B. gottheilii recorded weight loss percentages of 6.2%, 3.0%, 3.6%, and 5.8% for PE, PET, PP, and PS,
respectively.

The designated isolates degraded the microplastic material and exhibited potential for remediation of microplastic-contaminated
environment. Biodegradation tests must be conducted to characterize the varied responses of microbes toward pollutants, such as microplastics.
Hence, a novel approach for biodegradation of microplastics must be developed to help mitigate the environmental impact of plastics and
microplastic polymers.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2017.09.043.

(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0269749117309648)

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