Photoaging of Baby Bottle-Derived Polyethersulfone and Polyphenylsulfone Microplastics and the Resulting Bisphenol S Release

Abstract

This study evaluated the release of bisphenol S (BPS) from polyethersulfone (PES) and polyphenylsulfone microplastics (MPs) derived from baby bottles under UV irradiation. Released BPS fluctuates over time because it undergoes photolysis under UV254 irradiation. Under UV365 irradiation, the highest released concentration at 50 °C was 1.7 and 3.2 times that at 35 and 25 °C, respectively, as the activation energy of the photochemical reactions responsible for MP decay was reduced at high temperatures. Low concentrations of humic acid (HA, ≤10 mg·L–1) promote BPS release because HA acts as a photosensitizer. A high concentration of HA (10∼50 mg·L–1) decreases the BPS release because HA shields MPs from light and scavenges reactive radicals that are produced via photochemical reactions. For example, under UV irradiation, hydroxyl radicals (•OH) attack results in the breakage of ether bonds and the formation of phenyl radicals (Ph•) and phenoxy radicals (Ph–O•).The•OH addition and hydrogen extractions further produce BPS from the decayed MPs. A leaching kinetics model was developed and calibrated by the experimental data. The calibrated model predicts the equilibrium level of BPS release from MPs that varies with the surface coverage density of BPS and leaching rate constants. This study provides groundwork that deepens our understanding of environmental aging and the chemical release of MPs.

Micro(nano)plastics in the Human Body: Sources, Occurrences, Fates, and Health Risks

“…Besides undergoing degradation, MNPs also release toxic chemicals and interact with other pollutants within organisms. The release of toxic chemical additives such as N -(1,3-dimethylbutyl)- N ′-phenyl- p -phenylenediamine, heavy metals, phthalate, and bisphenol by MNPs into natural environments is well established. − A recent study demonstrated that PLA MPs release oligomer NPs during the gastrointestinal processes in mice but could not elucidate the mechanisms . Toxic additives may also be released from MNPs due to the complex environmental conditions in the human body, including acids, enzymes, and gut microflora; however, current information is limited.…”

Sulfur-Containing Persistent Free Radicals and Reactive Species on Photoaged Microplastics: Identification and the Formation Mechanism

“…The latest study found the presence of MPs in the blood of living people for the first time, indicating that MPs are bioavailable and can be transferred to human blood and various organs of the human body . Meanwhile, some studies have found that a large number of S-MPs are present in baby bottles, as well as in human feces and sputum . Therefore, understanding the S-MPs after photoaging helps in assessing the potential environmental risks of MPs.…”

“…67 Meanwhile, some studies have found that a large number of S-MPs are present in baby bottles, as well as in human feces and sputum. 68 Therefore, understanding the S-MPs after photoaging helps in assessing the potential environmental risks of MPs. In this study, we found that S-MPs under simulated light irradiation generated sulfur-centered radicals and thio−oxygen radicals.…”

ZnFe2O4 loaded on municipal waste-char: outstanding adsorption and photocatalytic removal of contaminants

“…[7][8][9] The use of such synthetic dyes makes the world colorful, but their discharge into the aquatic environment endangers aquatic and human lives. Malachite green, 10 methylene blue (MB), 11 phenols, 12 and pesticides 13,14 are some examples of the colored toxicants that not only deteriorate the quality of water but also increase the levels of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and biological oxygen demand (BOD). Numerous colored toxins have mutagenic effects, posing significant risks to human health by inducing renal failure and causing damage to the reproductive and central nervous systems.…”