Impact of adsorption inhibitory phenomenon of microplastics on lithium recovery using adsorbents from liquid lithium resources

Seawater contains an estimated 230 billion metric tons of dissolved lithium, representing a significant and stable potential resource to support a diverse lithium supply. However, the influence of microplastics on lithium recovery has not been previously explored despite their pervasive presence in marine environments. This study investigates the effects of carboxylate-modified polystyrene (PS), a commonly found microplastic, on lithium recovery using the synthesized adsorbent H_1.6Mn_1.6O₄. Various concentrations and particle sizes of PS were introduced into the adsorption system to evaluate their impact on lithium adsorption. The results indicate that the adsorption performance of H_1.6Mn_1.6O₄ was significantly hindered by the presence of PS, with a notable decline in efficiency observed as PS concentration and particle size increased. The inhibitory effects became pronounced 12 h after the initiation of the experiment. These findings reveal potential technical and environmental challenges in lithium recovery from seawater, emphasizing the need to consider microplastic contamination. This study provides valuable insights for advancing sustainable lithium extraction technologies and guiding future research efforts.