New Insights into the Formation of Aggregates of Bidisperse Nano- and Microplastics in Water Based on the Analysis of In Situ Microscopy and Molecular Simulation

Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) in water pose a global threat to human health and the environment. To develop efficient removal strategies, it is crucial to understand how these particles behave as they aggregate. However, our knowledge of the process of aggregate formation from primary particles of different sizes is limited. In this study, we analyzed the growth kinetics and structures of aggregates formed by polystyrene MPs in mono- and bidisperse systems using