Adsorption of Pb(II) by UV-aged microplastics and cotransport in homogeneous and heterogeneous porous media

Bokun Chang, Zixuan Huang, Xiaodong Yang, Tianhuan Yang, Xianhui Fang, Xianbao Zhong, Wei Ding, Gang Cao, Yajun Yang, Feinan Hu, Chenyang Xu, Ling Qiu, Jialong Lv*, Wei Du*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

8 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

To investigate the adsorption effects of aged microplastics (MPs) on Pb(II) and their co-transport properties in homogeneous (quartz sand) and heterogeneous (quartz sand with apple branches biochar) porous media, we explored the co-transport of UV-irradiated aged MPs and coexisting Pb(II) along with their interaction mechanisms. The UV aging process increased the binding sites and electronegativity of the aged MPs' surface, enhancing its adsorption capacity for Pb(II). Aged MPs significantly improved Pb(II) transport through homogeneous media, while Pb(II) hindered the transport of aged MPs by reducing electrostatic repulsion between these particles and the quartz sand. When biochar, with its loose and porous structure, was used as a porous medium, it effectively inhibited the transport capacity of both contaminants. In addition, since the aged MPs cannot penetrate the column, a portion of Pb(II) adsorbed by the aged MPs will be co-deposited with the aged MPs, hindering Pb(II) transport to a greater extent. The transport experiments were simulated and interpreted using two-point kinetic modeling and the DLVO theory. The study results elucidate disparities in the capacity of MPs and aged MPs to transport Pb(II), underscoring the potential of biochar application as an effective strategy to impede the dispersion of composite environmental pollutants.

Original languageEnglish
Article number133413
JournalJournal of Hazardous Materials
Volume465
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 5 Mar 2024

Keywords

  • DLVO theory
  • Lead ions
  • Oxygen functional group
  • Passivation of contaminants
  • Plastic particles
  • Two-point adsorption kinetics
  • UV aging

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