Boron pollution in the aquatic environment has a hazardous effect on human health and the ecosystem as a metalloid pollutant, and few researchers have focused on the potential interaction between boron and microplastics . We investigated the adsorption of boron on four types of microplastics (polyvinyl chloride (PVC), aged PVC, polystyrene (PS), and aged PS). The adsorption behavior was explored by kinetics, isotherm models, and several aqueous factors, including pH, humic acid , ionic strength (Na + ), metal ion types (Mg 2+ , Ca 2+ , Cu 2+ , and Al 3+ ), and the seawater environment. The adsorption capacities on microplastics were followed: aged PVC (0.91 mg/g) > aged PS (0.197 mg/g) > virgin PVC (0.1 mg/g) > virgin PS (0.005 mg/g). The adsorption kinetics and isotherm models suggested monolayer adsorption and chemisorption . Humic acid and high pH significantly inhibited the adsorption due to the complexation and hydrolysis of boric acid (B(OH) 3 ), respectively. The presence of metal ions may enhance or hinder adsorption, depending on the boron species, ion concentration , ion type, and microplastics categories. The unique interaction mainly depended on surface complexations of B(OH) 3 with oxygen-containing groups on microplastics surface. Because aged microplastics have more oxygen-containing groups, they can combine more B(OH) 3 , and PVC can adsorb more boron due to the C Cl bond and surface diffusion . In the aquatic environment, however, metal ions may occupy these binding sites, and the electrostatic force between borate ([B(OH) 4 ] − ) and microplastics will take precedence. In the simulated intestines of warm-blooded animals, we achieved the greatest boron desorption ratio on microplastics. This work explored the adsorption characteristics of boron by microplastics and revealed potential environmental risks of metalloid enrichment.
Dust released from widely established plastic sports courts and synthetic turf poses potential environmental and health risks. Herein, we systematically investigate the metal(loid) characteristics, potential sources, and health risks of 162 dust samples from 17 campuses in Beijing, using complementary analytical techniques. Bulk analysis revealed higher levels of Zn, Pb, Cu, Sb, Cd, and Cr than background values, suggesting excessive anthropogenic contamination. Pb and Cr in plastic basketball court and track dust and Zn and Sb in synthetic turf dust were higher than those in other sports facilities. Multielement single-particle inductively coupled plasma time-of-flight mass spectrometry (spICP-TOF-MS) revealed more Fe-, Al-, Si-, Ti-, and Pb-containing particles in the dust. At least 92% toxic Pb-containing particles were composed of multiple elements. The significant correlations between Pb and Cr contents on individual dust particles support their common potential source from inorganic pigments (crocoite, PbCrO4). Pb, Sb, As, and Cr in the dust pose higher health risks through intake. The risks were estimated to be approximately 3–5 times higher for children than for adults. Additionally, highly toxic Cr(VI) and As(III) species were observed in the sweat and gastric juice leachate of dust, highlighting severe threats of the metal(loid)s to human health.
危险品化学品经营许可证（带存储）