Salinity inhibits UV photoaging of thermoplastic polyurethane microplastics and enhances atrazine adsorption

Key Points

• Salinity inhibits UV photoaging of thermoplastic polyurethane microplastics, preserving their structure.
• Atrazine adsorption increases by up to 35% in higher salinity conditions, impacting environmental fate.
• Assessment using experimental conditions involving UV exposure and salinity on thermoplastic polyurethane microplastics was conducted.
• Understanding the interaction between salinity and adsorption in microplastics may inform environmental management strategies.