Parametric optimization and mechanistic investigation of polyvinyl chloride microplastic degradation via an intensified hydrothermal Fenton reaction

Case Studies on the Polymer-Water Nexus: Microplastic Degradation Using Catalyzed Wet Oxidation

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Case studies of catalyzed wet oxidation — a process using high temperature, pressure, and chemical catalysts — demonstrated effective degradation of microplastic polymers in water, converting them to smaller organic molecules or CO2. This technology offers a route to complete microplastic elimination from wastewater streams rather than filtration and disposal, which is critical as conventional treatment plants fail to remove a significant fraction of plastic particles.

Kinetic study of microplastic reactivity with hydroxyl radicals: Insights into photochemical fate and transformation products

Fenton-based aging of low-density polyethylene microplastics and their adsorptive interactions with ofloxacin: kinetics and isotherm studies

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Scientists found that when plastic bags (LDPE) break down in water treatment processes designed to remove pollutants, the resulting microplastic fragments actually become better at soaking up antibiotics like ofloxacin from water. This matters because these "weathered" microplastics could act like tiny sponges, ferrying antibiotics and other contaminants through our water systems and potentially into our bodies, meaning cleanup efforts might unintentionally make microplastic pollution more harmful rather than less.

Experimental and Computational Validation on the Degradation Processes of Polyethylene Terephthalate Microplastics by Mineral Acids and Thermal Treatment

Degradation of Polyethylene Terephthalate Microplastics by Mineral Acids: Experimental, Molecular Modelling and Optimization Studies

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Researchers found that acid rain — formed when atmospheric mineral acids react with oxygen — can degrade polyethylene terephthalate (PET) microplastics, with higher temperatures accelerating breakdown by attacking oxygen-containing parts of the plastic's structure. This suggests that environmental weathering from acid deposition may be an underappreciated factor in how PET plastics fragment into smaller particles in nature.