UV-Irradiation Facilitating Pb Release from Recycled PVC Microplastics

In this study, we evaluated the release of Pb from recycled polyvinyl chloride (PVC) under UV-irradiation. The release process was dominated by two processes: H+ facilitated dissolution of Pb, and light-induced hydroxyl radical (·OH) caused C-H bond cleavage from PVC with the generation of alkyl radical. The effects of pH and coexisting low molecular weight organic acids (LMWOAs) were also evaluated. Lower pH speeds up the Pb release from MPs. The LMWOAs act as a filter of UV to restrain the Pb release. Overall, this study shows the release of Pb from recycled PVC MPs and indicates the potential risk of Pb to the environment.PMID:33963438 | DOI:10.1007/s00128-021-03253-0

Source: Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology - May 8, 2021 Category: Environmental Health Authors: Junxiang Ren Tongliang Wu Cun Liu Peixin Cui Fei Dang Qiang Yang Yujun Wang Source Type: research