Microbubble-induced erosion releases micro- and nanoplastics into water

Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) are pervasive micropollutants in aquatic environments and along shorelines. Their release is predominantly attributed to mechanical abrasion or ultraviolet exposure, both requiring substantial external energy inputs. The role of aquatic factors (e.g., air bubbles) in the generation of MNPs is poorly understood. Here we show microbubbles that spontaneously form on seven typical plastics across a wide temperature range (25° to 95°C) and in various water types (deionized, tap, river, and marine water) can erode plastic surfaces and drive MNP release. Nucleation, expansion, and movement of microbubbles generate shear stresses capable of dislodging polymer protrusions at surface defect sites. This sweeping action, combined with the unbalanced surface tension forces at the three-phase contact line, generates O-shaped ring structures composed of accumulated polymers, which ultimately fragment leading to the release of MNPs into the aquatic environment. Our findings demonstrate that microbubble-induced erosion represents a low-energy pathway for micropollutant release.

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Publication Details

Journal
Science Advances
Published
2025-12-17
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.aea4729
Citations
1
Primary Topic
Microplastics and Plastic Pollution
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.50
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article

Microbubble-induced erosion releases micro- and nanoplastics into water

Hua Qin, Qidong Yin, Christopher Hill, Yunhong Shi et al.
1 citations
Science Advances
Microplastics and Plastic Pollution
0.50
article

Microbubble-induced erosion releases micro- and nanoplastics into water

Hua Qin, Qidong Yin, Christopher Hill, Yunhong Shi, Songheng Jin, Peiying Kang, Jing Jing Wang, John J. Boland, Liwen Xiao, John E. Sader, Richard Unitt, Manuel Ruether, Xiaocheng Pan, Bo Zhao, Emmet D. Sheerin, Dunzhu Li, L.M. Zhao, Qing Zhu, Ming Ming Cheng, Varvara Bolikava
article en
1 citations

Abstract

Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) are pervasive micropollutants in aquatic environments and along shorelines. Their release is predominantly attributed to mechanical abrasion or ultraviolet exposure, both requiring substantial external energy inputs. The role of aquatic factors (e.g., air bubbles) in the generation of MNPs is poorly understood. Here we show microbubbles that spontaneously form on seven typical plastics across a wide temperature range (25° to 95°C) and in various water types (deionized, tap, river, and marine water) can erode plastic surfaces and drive MNP release. Nucleation, expansion, and movement of microbubbles generate shear stresses capable of dislodging polymer protrusions at surface defect sites. This sweeping action, combined with the unbalanced surface tension forces at the three-phase contact line, generates O-shaped ring structures composed of accumulated polymers, which ultimately fragment leading to the release of MNPs into the aquatic environment. Our findings demonstrate that microbubble-induced erosion represents a low-energy pathway for micropollutant release.

Science AdvancesVol. 11(51)
California Institute of Technology (US), Sun Yat-sen University (CN), Hohai University (CN), Trinity College Dublin (IE), University College Cork (IE), Jiyang College of Zhejiang A&F University (CN), Dublin City University (IE), Zhejiang University (CN)
Openalex Percentile: Top 31%
Microplastics and Plastic Pollution
0.50
DOIOpen Access PDFOpenAlex
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