Microplastics physicochemical properties, specific adsorption modeling and their interaction with pharmaceuticals and other emerging contaminants

This review discusses the imminent threat that microplastics (MPs) associated with pharmaceuticals represent to the aquatic environment and public health. We initially focused upon recognizing and stressing that MPs are ubiquitous pollutants. The influence of environmental factors, such as pH, mechanical stress, and photodegradation, are examined, aiming to elucidate how both substances might associate, what are their simultaneous degradation pathways and, to understand the interactions between MPs and pharmaceuticals. Mathematical tools, such as modeling and simulations, are presented in detail, aiming to improve how information is interpreted. Furthermore, it is exhibited that MPs sorption and interaction behavior towards organic contaminants play an important role in understanding its dynamics in the environment, aswell as their possible interactionswith pharmaceuticals that are summarized. At last, MPs and pharmaceuticals toxicity and bioaccumulation are presented. (c) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This review focuses on the imminent threat of microplastics (MPs) associated with pharmaceuticals on the aquatic environment and public health, emphasizing their ubiquity and the interactions with environmental factors. Mathematical tools are utilized to enhance information interpretation, and the importance of MPs' sorption and interaction behavior towards organic contaminants is highlighted in understanding their dynamics in the environment. Lastly, the toxicity and bioaccumulation of MPs and pharmaceuticals are discussed.