Comparative analysis of Cr(VI) oxyanions adsorption on aged polyamide microplastics: Evaluating UV irradiation versus chemical aging

Microplastics (MPs) commonly undergo aging in various environmental media, affecting both their environmental behavior and Trojan-horse effect for contaminants. However, the mechanisms underlying the different impact of various aging processes on the Trojan-horse effect of polyamide (PA) MPs towards metal oxyanions remain unclear. This study explored how chemical aging and UV irradiation impact the structural characteristics and Cr(VI) adsorption of PA MPs under various influencing factors. Results showed that both aging processes enhanced the negative surface charge, surface oxygen content, and roughness of PA MPs, with FTIR correlation spectroscopy confirming an increase in O-containing functional groups. Cr(VI) adsorption onto aged PA sharply increased by 17.4 % (14 days of UV irradiation), 39.4 % (42 days of UV irradiation), and 21.7 % (chemical aging) compared to original PA. Salinity and natural organic matter had adverse effects on Cr(VI) adsorption. Spectroscopic analyses highlighted the crucial role of hydrophilic amide groups in controlling Cr(VI) adsorption onto aged PA, involving hydrogen bonding, electrostatic interactions, and reduction. Aged PA exhibited higher adsorption capacities but also greater desorption under simulated seawater and intestinal fluid, suggesting increased migration potential for Cr(VI). This study provides helpful insights into assessing the environmental risk of co-existing PA MPs and metal oxyanions, particularly considering the effect of aging processes.