Abstract
The adsorption of Pb ions, on high-density polyethylene (PE) microplastics (MPs) with the diameter of 48-500μm, was examined in this study. According to the Langmuir isotherm, MP of the smallest size, 48μm, had the greatest adsorption capacity of 0.38μmolg-1. The mechanism of Pb ions adsorption onto PE MPs was chemical adsorption, in particular, hydrogen bonding and surface complexation. Pb adsorption onto PE particles was proceeded at a rapid rate, as predicted by the pseudo-second-order rate model (R2>0.99). The PE 48μm had the maximum adsorption capacity of 0.44μmol g-1 (or 0.2molm-2) at pH 5. While humic acid can operate as a bridging agent, boosting heavy metal adsorption on the surface of PE MPs, fulvic acid has the reverse effect. The findings indicated that PE particles may serve as a carrier of heavy metals in the aquatic environment, posing perceived risks to the environment and public health.
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