Formatted Title
Double Trouble: Coexistence of Microplastics and Pre- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Aquatic Environment
Background/Objectives
Microplastics (MPs) have garnered recent attention for their role in adsorbing various organic contaminants, including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), within aquatic environments, impacting both water quality and aquatic organisms. Despite extensive individual research on the abundance and distribution of MPs and PFAS, their co-occurrence and combined ecotoxicological effects remain poorly understood. Given the similar migration pathways of MPs and PFAS from various environmental compartments to aquatic settings, a systematic investigation into their interactions is warranted. Recent studies highlight PFAS adsorption onto MPs and the dominance of hydrophobic interactions in the partitioning of organic pollutants. Additionally, both MPs and PFAS may be simultaneously released from common consumer products, further complicating their environmental impact. Combined toxicity, such as antagonistic effects, has been observed during co-exposure to MPs and PFAS. This review aims to address these gaps by focusing on PFAS adsorption on MPs, associated mechanisms, the influence of MPs on PFAS transport and transformation, and the individual and combined toxicity of PFAS and/or MPs. Current knowledge, gaps, and recommendations for future research are also addressed.
Approach/Activities
The review process involved evaluating summaries from scientific and organizational reports, along with abstracts from journal papers. To ensure data reliability, filters were applied to narrow results specifically to peer-reviewed research papers, scientific reports, data reports, and organizational documents. The review delved into the interaction between MPs and PFAS exploring related mechanisms that govern their combined toxicity.
Results/Lessons Learned
Limited studies on real environmental interactions between MPs and PFAS underscore the need for a more comprehensive assessment of their combined toxicity. Emphasizing the relative importance of MPs as carriers of emerging contaminants compared to other exposure routes is crucial for a comprehensive environmental risk assessment. This review contributes to bridging knowledge gaps and advancing understanding regarding the environmental behavior and potential risks of the coexisting MPs and PFAS in aquatic environments