Register      Login
Environmental Chemistry Environmental Chemistry Society
Environmental problems - Chemical approaches
RESEARCH FRONT

Influence of CNT loading and environmental stressors on leaching of polymer-associated chemicals from epoxy and polycarbonate nanocomposites

Imari Walker https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9419-320X A , Manuel D. Montaño B , Ronald S. Lankone C , D. Howard Fairbrother C and P. Lee Ferguson https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8367-7521 A D
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27705, USA.

B Department of Environmental Science, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA 98225, USA.

C Department of Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA.

D Corresponding author. Email: lee.ferguson@duke.edu

Environmental Chemistry 18(3) 131-141 https://doi.org/10.1071/EN21043
Submitted: 6 April 2021  Accepted: 7 July 2021   Published: 29 July 2021

Environmental context. Carbon nanotubes are added to polymers such as polycarbonate and epoxy to form nanocomposites with enhanced material properties. Environmental factors including temperature, UV light exposure and pH have the potential to degrade these composites and increase the release of toxic polymer-associated chemicals. This study investigates how carbon nanotube loading decreases the release of known endocrine-disrupting compounds, bisphenol A and 4-tert-butylphenol, from polymer nanocomposites under simulated weathering environments.

Abstract. Nanoparticles such as carbon nanotubes are increasingly added to polymer matrices to improve tensile strength and electrical and thermal conductivity, and to reduce gas permeability. During use and after disposal, these plastic nanocomposites (PNCs) are degraded into microplastics by physical and chemical processes including mechanical abrasion, UV light exposure, hydrolysis and oxidation. Such polymers have the potential to enter aquatic environments and release potentially hazardous polymer-associated chemicals and transformation products. This work identifies and quantifies polymer-associated chemicals leached from polymers and nanocomposites during simulated environmental exposure. Epoxy and polycarbonate PNCs containing single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) loadings ranging from 0 to 1 wt-% were exposed to water for 5 days, and the release of the chemicals bisphenol A (BPA) and 4-tert-butylphenol (TBP) was measured. The role of UV exposure, pH, temperature and natural organic matter in regulating chemical release was also investigated. Temperature, pH and UV light were found to be the most significant factors influencing release of TBP and BPA from PNCs. Additionally, increasing carbon nanotube loading in both polycarbonate and epoxy composites was found to decrease the release of these phenolic chemicals. A 0.3 % higher SWCNT loading decreased the release of BPA 45 ± 18 %, and a 1 % SWCNT loading decreased chemical release from epoxy by 48 ± 26 % for BPA and 58 ± 8 % for TBP. This information provides important data that can be used to help assess the risks posed by SWCNT polymer nanocomposites in aqueous environments, particularly as they age and are transformed.

Keywords: nanocomposites, microplastics, polymer-associated chemicals, nanomaterials, carbon nanotubes.


References

Alamri H, Low IM (2012). Effect of water absorption on the mechanical properties of nano-filler reinforced epoxy nanocompositess. Materials & Design 42, 214–222.
Effect of water absorption on the mechanical properties of nano-filler reinforced epoxy nanocompositessCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Alexander HC, Dill DC, Smith LW, Guiney PD, Dorn P (1988). Bisphenol A: acute aquatic toxicity. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 7, 19–26.
Bisphenol A: acute aquatic toxicityCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Amara I, Timoumi R, Graiet I, Ben Salem I, Adelou K, Abid-Essefi S (2019). Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate induces cytotoxicity in HEK-293 cell line, implication of the Nrf-2/HO-1 antioxidant pathway. Environmental Toxicology 34, 1034–1042.
Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate induces cytotoxicity in HEK-293 cell line, implication of the Nrf-2/HO-1 antioxidant pathwayCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 31112013PubMed |

Awad SA, Fellows CM, Mahini SS (2018a). Effects of accelerated weathering on the chemical, mechanical, thermal and morphological properties of an epoxy/multi-walled carbon nanotube composite. Polymer Testing 66, 70–77.
Effects of accelerated weathering on the chemical, mechanical, thermal and morphological properties of an epoxy/multi-walled carbon nanotube compositeCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Awad SA, Fellows CM, Saeed Mahini S (2018b). A comparative study of accelerated weathering of epoxy resins based on DGEBA and HDGEBA. Journal of Polymer Research 25, 103
A comparative study of accelerated weathering of epoxy resins based on DGEBA and HDGEBACrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Bae B, Jeong JH, Lee SJ (2002). The quantification and characterization of endocrine disruptor bisphenol-A leaching from epoxy resin. Water Science and Technology 46, 381–387.
The quantification and characterization of endocrine disruptor bisphenol-A leaching from epoxy resinCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 12523782PubMed |

Barse A, Chakrabarti T, Ghosh T, Pal A, Jadhao S (2006). One-tenth dose of LC50 of 4-tert-butylphenol causes endocrine disruption and metabolic changes in Cyprinus carpio. Pesticide Biochemistry and Physiology 86, 172–179.
One-tenth dose of LC50 of 4-tert-butylphenol causes endocrine disruption and metabolic changes in Cyprinus carpioCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Bell AM, Baier R, Kocher B, Reifferscheid G, Buchinger S, Ternes T (2020). Ecotoxicological characterization of emissions from steel coatings in contact with water. Water Research 173, 115525
Ecotoxicological characterization of emissions from steel coatings in contact with waterCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 32036289PubMed |

Bohdziewicz J, Kamińska G (2013). Kinetics and equilibrium of the sorption of bisphenol A by carbon nanotubes from wastewater. Water Science and Technology 68, 1306–1314.
Kinetics and equilibrium of the sorption of bisphenol A by carbon nanotubes from wastewaterCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 24056428PubMed |

Cai Y, Jiang G, Liu J, Zhou Q (2003). Multiwalled carbon nanotubes as a solid-phase extraction adsorbent for the determination of bisphenol A, 4-n-nonylphenol, and 4-tert-octylphenol. Analytical Chemistry 75, 2517–2521.
Multiwalled carbon nanotubes as a solid-phase extraction adsorbent for the determination of bisphenol A, 4-n-nonylphenol, and 4-tert-octylphenolCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 12919000PubMed |

Castillo C, Fernández C, Gutiérrez MH, Aranda M, Urbina MA, Yáñez J, Álvarez Á, Pantoja-Gutiérrez S (2020). Water column circulation drives microplastic distribution in the Martínez-Baker channels, A large fjord ecosystem in Chilean Patagonia. Marine Pollution Bulletin 160, 111591
Water column circulation drives microplastic distribution in the Martínez-Baker channels, A large fjord ecosystem in Chilean PatagoniaCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 32898738PubMed |

Charitidis CA, Georgiou P, Koklioti MA, Trompeta A-F, Markakis V (2014). Manufacturing nanomaterials: from research to industry. Manufacturing Review 1, 11
Manufacturing nanomaterials: from research to industryCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

De Volder MFL, Tawfick SH, Baughman RH, Hart AJ (2013). Carbon nanotubes: Present and future commercial applications. Science 339, 535–539.
Carbon nanotubes: Present and future commercial applicationsCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) (2019). Substance information: 4-tert-butylphenol (European Chemicals Agency: Helsinki, Finland). Available at https://echa.europa.eu/substance-information/-/substanceinfo/100.002.436

Fairbrother D, Lankone RS, Ranville J, Wang J (2017). Developing a fundamental understanding of polymer nanocomposite photodegradation and CNT release characteristics. TechConnect Briefs 1, 321–324.

Ferguson P, Brownawell B (2003). Degradation of nonylphenol ethoxylates in estuarine sediment under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 22, 1189–1199.
Degradation of nonylphenol ethoxylates in estuarine sediment under aerobic and anaerobic conditionsCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 12785573PubMed |

Ferguson P, Bopp R, Chillrud S, Aller R, Brownawell B (2003). Biogeochemistry of Nonylphenol ethoxylates in urban estuarine sediments. Environmental Science & Technology 37, 3499–3506.
Biogeochemistry of Nonylphenol ethoxylates in urban estuarine sedimentsCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Haavisto TE, Adamsson NA, Myllymäki SA, Toppari J, Paranko J (2003). Effects of 4-tert-octylphenol, 4-tert-butylphenol, and diethylstilbestrol on prenatal testosterone surge in the rat. Reproductive Toxicology 17, 593–605.
Effects of 4-tert-octylphenol, 4-tert-butylphenol, and diethylstilbestrol on prenatal testosterone surge in the ratCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 14555198PubMed |

Haider N, Karlsson S (2000). Kinetics of migration of antioxidants from polyolefins in natural environments as a basis for bioconversion studies. Biomacromolecules 1, 481–487.
Kinetics of migration of antioxidants from polyolefins in natural environments as a basis for bioconversion studiesCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 11710140PubMed |

Heemken O, Reincke H, Stachel B, Theobald N (2001). The occurrence of xenoestrogens in the Elbe river and the North Sea. Chemosphere 45, 245–259.
The occurrence of xenoestrogens in the Elbe river and the North SeaCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 11592413PubMed |

Hennig MP, Maes HM, Ottermanns R, Schäffer A, Siebers N (2019). Release of radiolabeled multi-walled carbon nanotubes (14C-MWCNT) from epoxy nanocomposites into quartz sand-water systems and their uptake by Lumbriculus variegatus. NanoImpact 14, 100159
Release of radiolabeled multi-walled carbon nanotubes (14C-MWCNT) from epoxy nanocomposites into quartz sand-water systems and their uptake by Lumbriculus variegatusCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Hirth S, Cena L, Cox G, Tomović Ž, Peters T, Wohlleben W (2013). Scenarios and methods that induce protruding or released CNTs after degradation of nanocomposite materials. Journal of Nanoparticle Research 15, 1504
Scenarios and methods that induce protruding or released CNTs after degradation of nanocomposite materialsCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 23596358PubMed |

Howdeshell KL, Peterman PH, Judy BM, Taylor JA, Orazio CE, Ruhlen RL, Vom Saal FS, Welshons WV (2003). Bisphenol A is released from used polycarbonate animal cages into water at room temperature. Environmental Health Perspectives 111, 1180–1187.
Bisphenol A is released from used polycarbonate animal cages into water at room temperatureCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 12842771PubMed |

Im J, Löffler FE (2016). Fate of bisphenol A in terrestrial and aquatic environments. Environmental Science & Technology 50, 8403–8416.
Fate of bisphenol A in terrestrial and aquatic environmentsCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Inoue K, Yoshie Y, Kondo S, Yoshimura Y, Nakazawa H (2002). Determination of phenolic xenoestrogens in water by liquid chromatography with coulometric-array detection. Journal of Chromatography A 946, 291–294.
Determination of phenolic xenoestrogens in water by liquid chromatography with coulometric-array detectionCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 11873977PubMed |

Jiao Y, Ding L, Fu S, Zhu S, Li H, Wang L (2012). Determination of bisphenol A, bisphenol F and their diglycidyl ethers in environmental water by solid phase extraction using magnetic multiwalled carbon nanotubes followed by GC-MS/MS. Analytical Methods 4, 291–298.
Determination of bisphenol A, bisphenol F and their diglycidyl ethers in environmental water by solid phase extraction using magnetic multiwalled carbon nanotubes followed by GC-MS/MSCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Kim H, Urban MW (2000). Molecular level chain scission mechanisms of epoxy and urethane polymeric films exposed to UV/H2O. Multidimensional spectroscopic studies. Langmuir 16, 5382–5390.
Molecular level chain scission mechanisms of epoxy and urethane polymeric films exposed to UV/H2O. Multidimensional spectroscopic studiesCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Kockott D (1989). Natural and artificial weathering of polymers. Polymer Degradation & Stability 25, 181–208.
Natural and artificial weathering of polymersCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Lithner D, Nordensvan I, Dave G (2012). Comparative acute toxicity of leachates from plastic products made of polypropylene, polyethylene, PVC, acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene, and epoxy to Daphnia magna. Environmental Science and Pollution Research International 19, 1763–1772.
Comparative acute toxicity of leachates from plastic products made of polypropylene, polyethylene, PVC, acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene, and epoxy to Daphnia magnaCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 22183785PubMed |

Losada PP, Lozano JS, Abuín SP, Mahía PL, Gándara JS (1993). Kinetics of the hydrolysis of bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (BADGE) in water-based food simulants. Fresenius’ Journal of Analytical Chemistry 345, 527–532.
Kinetics of the hydrolysis of bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (BADGE) in water-based food simulantsCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Loyo-Rosales JE, Rosales-Rivera GC, Lynch AM, Rice CP, Torrents A (2004). Migration of nonylphenol from plastic containers to water and a milk surrogate. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 52, 2016–2020.
Migration of nonylphenol from plastic containers to water and a milk surrogateCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 15053545PubMed |

Mailhot B, Morlat‐Thérias S, Ouahioune M, Gardette JL (2005). Study of the degradation of an epoxy/amine resin, 1. Macromolecular Chemistry and Physics 206, 575–584.
Study of the degradation of an epoxy/amine resin, 1Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Michalowicz J (2014). Bisphenol A – sources, toxicity and biotransformation. Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology 37, 738–758.
Bisphenol A – sources, toxicity and biotransformationCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 24632011PubMed |

Mintenig SM, Löder MGJ, Primpke S, Gerdts G (2019). Low numbers of microplastics detected in drinking water from ground water sources. The Science of the Total Environment 648, 631–635.
Low numbers of microplastics detected in drinking water from ground water sourcesCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 30121540PubMed |

Myllymäki S, Haavisto T, Vainio M, Toppari J, Paranko J (2005). In vitro effects of diethylstilbestrol, genistein, 4-tert-butylphenol, and 4-tert-octylphenol on steroidogenic activity of isolated immature rat ovarian follicles. Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology 204, 69–80.
In vitro effects of diethylstilbestrol, genistein, 4-tert-butylphenol, and 4-tert-octylphenol on steroidogenic activity of isolated immature rat ovarian folliclesCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 15781295PubMed |

Nam S-H, Seo Y-M, Kim M-G (2010). Bisphenol A migration from polycarbonate baby bottle with repeated use. Chemosphere 79, 949–952.
Bisphenol A migration from polycarbonate baby bottle with repeated useCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 20334893PubMed |

Nguyen T, Pellegrin BT, Shapiro AJ, Gu X, Chin JW (2009). Network aggregation of CNTs at the surface of epoxy/MWCNT composite exposed to UV radiation. In ‘Proceedings of Nanotech 09 Conference’. (NIST: Gaithersburg, MD)

Nguyen T, Petersen EJ, Pellegrin B, Gorham JM, Lam T, Zhao M, Sung L (2017). Impact of UV irradiation on multiwall carbon nanotubes in nanocomposites: Formation of entangled surface layer and mechanisms of release resistance. Carbon 116, 191–200.
Impact of UV irradiation on multiwall carbon nanotubes in nanocomposites: Formation of entangled surface layer and mechanisms of release resistanceCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 28603293PubMed |

Onn Wong K, Woon Leo L, Leng Seah H (2005). Dietary exposure assessment of infants to bisphenol A from the use of polycarbonate baby milk bottles. Food Additives and Contaminants 22, 280–288.
Dietary exposure assessment of infants to bisphenol A from the use of polycarbonate baby milk bottlesCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 16019796PubMed |

Page SE, Arnold WA, Mcneill K (2011). Assessing the contribution of free hydroxyl radical in organic matter-sensitized photohydroxylation reactions. Environmental Science & Technology 45, 2818–2825.
Assessing the contribution of free hydroxyl radical in organic matter-sensitized photohydroxylation reactionsCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Pankasem S, Kuczynski J, Thomas JK (1994). Photochemistry and photodegradation of polycarbonate. Macromolecules 27, 3773–3781.
Photochemistry and photodegradation of polycarbonateCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Petersen EJ, Lam T, Gorham JM, Scott KC, Long CJ, Stanley D, Sharma R, Alexander Liddle J, Pellegrin B, Nguyen T (2014). Methods to assess the impact of UV irradiation on the surface chemistry and structure of multiwall carbon nanotube epoxy nanocomposites. Carbon 69, 194–205.
Methods to assess the impact of UV irradiation on the surface chemistry and structure of multiwall carbon nanotube epoxy nanocompositesCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Pryde C, Hellman M (1980). Solid state hydrolysis of bisphenol‐A polycarbonate. I. Effect of phenolic end groups. Journal of Applied Polymer Science 25, 2573–2587.
Solid state hydrolysis of bisphenol‐A polycarbonate. I. Effect of phenolic end groupsCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Rathore DK, Prusty RK, Ray BC (2017). Mechanical, thermomechanical, and creep performance of CNT embedded epoxy at elevated temperatures: An emphasis on the role of carboxyl functionalization. Journal of Applied Polymer Science 134, 44851
Mechanical, thermomechanical, and creep performance of CNT embedded epoxy at elevated temperatures: An emphasis on the role of carboxyl functionalizationCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Ratna D, Banthia AK (2004). Rubber-toughened epoxy. Macromolecular Research 12, 11–21.
Rubber-toughened epoxyCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Renzi M, Grazioli E, Blašković A (2019). Effects of Different microplastic types and surfactant-microplastic mixtures under fasting and feeding conditions: A case study on Daphnia magna. Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology 103, 367–373.
Effects of Different microplastic types and surfactant-microplastic mixtures under fasting and feeding conditions: A case study on Daphnia magnaCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 31317222PubMed |

Rivaton A (1995). Recent advances in bisphenol-A polycarbonate photodegradation. Polymer Degradation & Stability 49, 163–179.
Recent advances in bisphenol-A polycarbonate photodegradationCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Roy S, Petrova RS, Mitra S (2018). Effect of carbon nanotube (CNT) functionalization in epoxy-CNT composites. Nanotechnology Reviews 7, 475–485.
Effect of carbon nanotube (CNT) functionalization in epoxy-CNT compositesCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 30637182PubMed |

Rubin BS (2011). Bisphenol A: An endocrine disruptor with widespread exposure and multiple effects. The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 127, 27–34.
Bisphenol A: An endocrine disruptor with widespread exposure and multiple effectsCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 21605673PubMed |

Sajiki J, Yonekubo J (2003). Leaching of bisphenol A (BPA) to seawater from polycarbonate plastic and its degradation by reactive oxygen species. Chemosphere 51, 55–62.
Leaching of bisphenol A (BPA) to seawater from polycarbonate plastic and its degradation by reactive oxygen speciesCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 12586156PubMed |

Sajiki J, Yonekubo J (2004). Leaching of bisphenol A (BPA) from polycarbonate plastic to water containing amino acids and its degradation by radical oxygen species. Chemosphere 55, 861–867.
Leaching of bisphenol A (BPA) from polycarbonate plastic to water containing amino acids and its degradation by radical oxygen speciesCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 15041290PubMed |

Sakamoto H, Shoji S, Kaneko H (2007). Leaching characteristics of bisphenol A from epoxy-resin pavement materials. Toxicological and Environmental Chemistry 89, 191–203.
Leaching characteristics of bisphenol A from epoxy-resin pavement materialsCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Schlagenhauf L, Nüesch F, Wang J (2014). Release of carbon nanotubes from polymer nanocomposites. Fibers 2, 108–127.
Release of carbon nanotubes from polymer nanocompositesCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Siddiqi MA, Laessig RH, Reed KD (2003). Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs): new pollutants – old diseases. Clinical Medicine & Research 1, 281–290.
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs): new pollutants – old diseasesCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Soares A, Guieysse B, Jefferson B, Cartmell E, Lester JN (2008). Nonylphenol in the environment: A critical review on occurrence, fate, toxicity and treatment in wastewaters. Environment International 34, 1033–1049.
Nonylphenol in the environment: A critical review on occurrence, fate, toxicity and treatment in wastewatersCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 18282600PubMed |

Sohoni P, Tyler CR, Hurd K, Caunter J, Hetheridge M, Williams T, Woods C, Evans M, Toy R, Gargas M, Sumpter JP (2001). Reproductive effects of long-term exposure to bisphenol A in the fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas). Environmental Science & Technology 35, 2917–2925.
Reproductive effects of long-term exposure to bisphenol A in the fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas)Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Staniszewska M, Graca B, Nehring I (2016). The fate of bisphenol A, 4-tert-octylphenol and 4-nonylphenol leached from plastic debris into marine water – experimental studies on biodegradation and sorption on suspended particulate matter and nano-TiO2. Chemosphere 145, 535–542.
The fate of bisphenol A, 4-tert-octylphenol and 4-nonylphenol leached from plastic debris into marine water – experimental studies on biodegradation and sorption on suspended particulate matter and nano-TiO2Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 26702557PubMed |

Staudinger U, Krause B, Steinbach C, Pötschke P, Voit B (2014). Dispersability of multiwalled carbon nanotubes in polycarbonate–chloroform solutions. Polymer 55, 6335–6344.
Dispersability of multiwalled carbon nanotubes in polycarbonate–chloroform solutionsCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Suhrhoff TJ, Scholz-Bottcher BM (2016). Qualitative impact of salinity, UV radiation and turbulence on leaching of organic plastic additives from four common plastics – A lab experiment. Marine Pollution Bulletin 102, 84–94.
Qualitative impact of salinity, UV radiation and turbulence on leaching of organic plastic additives from four common plastics – A lab experimentCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 26696590PubMed |

ter Halle A, Ladirat L, Gendre X, Goudouneche D, Pusineri C, Routaboul C, Tenailleau C, Duployer B, Perez E (2016). Understanding the fragmentation pattern of marine plastic debris. Environmental Science & Technology 50, 5668–5675.
Understanding the fragmentation pattern of marine plastic debrisCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Teuten EL, Saquing JM, Knappe DR, Barlaz MA, Jonsson S, Bjorn A, Rowland SJ, Thompson RC, Galloway TS, Yamashita R, Ochi D, Watanuki Y, Moore C, Viet PH, Tana TS, Prudente M, Boonyatumanond R, Zakaria MP, Akkhavong K, Ogata Y, Hirai H, Iwasa S, Mizukawa K, Hagino Y, Imamura A, Saha M, Takada H (2009). Transport and release of chemicals from plastics to the environment and to wildlife. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological Sciences 364, 2027–2045.
Transport and release of chemicals from plastics to the environment and to wildlifeCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 19528054PubMed |

Tsuji JS, Maynard AD, Howard PC, James JT, Lam CW, Warheit DB, Santamaria AB (2006). Research strategies for safety evaluation of nanomaterials, Part IV: Risk assessment of nanoparticles. Toxicological Sciences 89, 42–50.
Research strategies for safety evaluation of nanomaterials, Part IV: Risk assessment of nanoparticlesCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 16177233PubMed |

United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) (1992). Method 1311: Toxicity characteristic leaching procedure. Available at https://www.epa.gov/hw-sw846/sw-846-test-method-1311-toxicity-characteristic-leaching-procedure#:~:text=Related%20Topics%3A-,SW%2D846%20Test%20Method%201311%3A%20Toxicity%20Characteristic%20Leaching%20Procedure,%2C%20solid%2C%20and%multiphasic%20wastes

Vance ME, Kuiken T, Vejerano EP, Mcginnis SP, Hochella MF, Rejeski D, Hull MS (2015). Nanotechnology in the real world: Redeveloping the nanomaterial consumer products inventory. Beilstein Journal of Nanotechnology 6, 1769–1780.
Nanotechnology in the real world: Redeveloping the nanomaterial consumer products inventoryCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 26425429PubMed |

Walker I, Montaño MD, Lankone RS, Fairbrother H, Ferguson LP (2021). Data from: Influence of CNT loading and environmental stressors on leaching of polymer associated chemicals from epoxy and polycarbonate nanocomposites. 10.7924/R4R49Q34N

Wang L, Yang X, Zhang A, Bidegain G, Li R, Na G, Yuan X (2019). Distribution patterns and ecological risk of endocrine-disrupting chemicals at Qingduizi Bay (China): A preliminary survey in a developing maricultured bay. Marine Pollution Bulletin 146, 915–920.
Distribution patterns and ecological risk of endocrine-disrupting chemicals at Qingduizi Bay (China): A preliminary survey in a developing maricultured bayCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 31426236PubMed |

Weber CI (Ed.) (1991). Methods for measuring the acute toxicity of effluents and receiving waters to freshwater and marine organisms. p. 197. (Environmental Monitoring Systems Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency: Washington, DC). Available at https://www3.epa.gov/npdes/pubs/atx.pdf

Wu Y, Shi J, Chen H, Zhao J, Dong W (2016). Aqueous photodegradation of 4-tert-butylphenol: By-products, degradation pathway and theoretical calculation assessment. The Science of the Total Environment 566–567, 86–92.
Aqueous photodegradation of 4-tert-butylphenol: By-products, degradation pathway and theoretical calculation assessmentCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 27213674PubMed |

Xu Q, Gao Y, Xu L, Shi W, Wang F, LeBlanc GA, Cui S, An L, Lei K (2020). Investigation of the microplastics profile in sludge from China’s largest water reclamation plant using a feasible isolation device. Journal of Hazardous Materials 388, 122067
Investigation of the microplastics profile in sludge from China’s largest water reclamation plant using a feasible isolation deviceCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 31951991PubMed |

Zafiriou OC, Joussot-Dubien J, Zepp RG, Zika RG (1984). Photochemistry of natural waters. Environmental Science & Technology 18, 358A–371A.
Photochemistry of natural watersCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |