Yingnan Huang

Abstract Plastic debris has recently been identified as a hotspot for abiotic metal transformations, triggered primarily by photo-weathering under sunlight. Here we perform a set of experiments with freshwater in the field and laboratory to explore metal transformations under dark conditions. We demonstrate that light-independent weathering of plastics leads to methylation of inorganic mercury (Hg(II)) in waterbodies.

Chemical reactivity of weathered nanoplastics and their interactions with heavy metals There is growing concern about the threat that nanoplastics (NPs) pose to ecosystems. However, a comprehensive risk assessment of NPs is currently constrained by the paucity of knowledge on the chemical reactivity of NPs, which were previously thought to be chemically inert.

Solid phase silver sulfide nanoparticles contribute significantly to biotic silver in agricultural systems† The current and continued influx of engineered nanoparticles (NPs) into the environment is significant, including the release of NPs that have been historically stored or retained in soils to various waterbodies.