Rare earth elements in plastics

Because of their unique properties, rare earth elements (REEs), comprising the lanthanide plus Sc and Y, have a variety integral applications in modern electronic equipment. Consequently, it has been suggested that REEs may act as contaminants tracers for recycled electrical plastics consumer goods. In this study, determined range different polymeric makeup (n = 31), purchased new societal circulation, by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry following acid digestion. Samples were also screened X-ray fluorescence Br Sb markers brominated flame retardants retardant synergist, Sb2O3, respectively. One or more REE was detected 24 samples, with four samples returning detectable concentrations all analysed total up to 8 mg kg?1. most commonly observed containing at levels insufficient effect retardancy and, therefore, likely derived from plastic, but not plastics. Various present no Sb, however, where unregulated recycling is prohibited (e.g. food packaging). This observation, correlations between pairs considered, suggests generic source these addition waste. reported literature beached marine characterised similar inter-element correlations, suggesting are ubiquitous pervasive both contemporary historical environmental