Effect of background ions and physicochemical factors on the cotransport of microplastics with Cu²⁺ in saturated porous media.

ABSTRACT: Microplastics (MPs) in subsurface environments are migratory and can carry heavy metals, increasing the extent of MP and heavy metal pollution. This study used quartz sand-filled column experiments to investigate the adsorption and cotransport behaviours of PS-MPs, O₃, UV-aged PS-MPs, and Cu²⁺ at different MP concentrations, ionic strengths, and ionic valences in a saturated porous medium. The results showed that when MPs migrate alone in the absence of an ionic background, higher concentrations have increased mobility. In contrast, an increase in the background ion concentration or ion valence inhibits the individual transport capacity of PS-MPs. An increase in the concentration of background ions or elevation in the valence state promotes Cu²⁺ transport b

SUBMITTER: Meng Q 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11543686 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature