Adsorption Behavior of Uv Aged Microplastics on the Heavy Metals Pb(Ii) and Cu(Ii) in Aqueous Solutions

Abstract

Microplastics (MPs) have a substantial impact on the movement and conversion of heavy metals in the aquatic environment as potential carriers of heavy metals. In this essay, the adsorption of polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE) and polystyrene (PS) on two models of heavy metals after UV aging and environmental variables (ionic coexistence, pH, salinity, and fulvic acid) were comprehensively explored on adsorption. The results show that new oxidation functional groups are formed after MPs aging. As a result, the adsorption of contaminants by UV aged MPs exceeds that of pristine MPs. Adsorption kinetic data were more consistent with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model, proving chemisorption to be the mechanism governing the interaction between metal ions and MPs. The Freundlich model could accurately predict the heavy metal adsorption isotherms on MPs, showing that non-homogeneous multilayer adsorption dominates the process. In Pb(II)-Cu(II) binary composite system, metal ion adsorption capacity on MPs is less than that of the single system adsorption capacity, which proves that there is a specific inhibitory effect between coexisting ions. Additionally, external factors like pH, salinity, and fulvic acid content have a big impact on adsorption behavior. According to mechanism analysis, the adsorption process mainly relies on electrostatic interaction, surface complexation, and van der Waals force.

Keywords: Microplastics, Heavy metal, UV aging, Adsorption mechanisms