We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Pre-ozonation reduces DBP formation in microplastics/NOM systems: Mechanistic insights from surface properties and precursor degradation
AI summary Read the abstract
When water contains both microplastics and natural debris, it can create more harmful chemical byproducts during disinfection with chlorine. This study found that pre-treating water with ozone actually helps: it roughens the microplastics' surface so they trap more contaminants, while also breaking down the organic matter that fuels byproduct formation. This suggests a practical way water treatment plants could reduce your exposure to potentially harmful disinfection byproducts.
The coexistence of microplastics (MPs) and natural organic matter (NOM) in water sources poses significant challenges for disinfection by-product (DBP) control. This study investigated the influence of pre-ozonation on the formation of trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs) within a coexisting system of polyethylene (PE) MPs and NOM. The results demonstrated that PE-MPs initially exerted an inhibitory effect on DBP formation through the physical adsorption of NOM precursors. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area characterization revealed that ozone induced obvious surface aging, including the formation of wrinkles, cracks, and network-like patterns, which enhanced the specific surface area and increased the number of active sites for precursor adsorption. In addition to the inhibition of DBP formation via the aging of MPs, excitation–emission matrix (EEM) fluorescence spectroscopy analysis confirmed that pre-ozonation enhanced this inhibitory effect by effectively degrading aromatic protein-like and fulvic acid-like substances within the NOM. Systematic evaluation of reaction parameters indicated that THMs and HAAs formation was highly sensitive to ozone dosage and pH, typically reaching a maximum under neutral conditions and moderate ozone levels (2.0 mg/L), while high ozone dosages promoted thorough oxidation and mineralization of reactive species. These findings suggest that pre-ozonation is a promising strategy for mitigating THMs and HAAs risks in waters contaminated with both MPs and organic matter by synergistically enhancing adsorption and precursor degradation.
More Papers Like This
Physicochemical changes in microplastics and formation of DBPs under ozonation
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined physicochemical changes in thermoplastic polyurethane and polyethylene microplastics during ozonation water treatment, finding that the process can alter microplastic morphology and potentially generate disinfection byproducts.
Effects of microplastics on DBPs formation under the chlorination of natural organic matters
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated how microplastics affect disinfection byproduct formation during chlorination of natural organic matter in water treatment, finding that the presence of microplastics can influence the generation of potentially harmful DBPs.
Effects of microplastics on the removal of trace organic compounds during ozonation: Oxidation and adsorption of trace organic compounds and byproducts
AI summary Read the abstract
Microplastics were found to interfere with the ozonation of trace organic compounds in water treatment, with plastic surfaces adsorbing both target pollutants and ozonation byproducts, potentially reducing treatment effectiveness and creating new exposure pathways.
Effects of microplastics on water disinfection and formation of disinfection by-products
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines how the presence of microplastics in drinking water and wastewater interferes with chlorination and ozonation disinfection processes, potentially reducing their effectiveness and generating harmful disinfection by-products. Microplastics can leach dissolved organic carbon that reacts with disinfectants, and they serve as refuges for antibiotic-resistant bacteria that may survive standard treatment. The authors call for more realistic laboratory experiments and field studies to properly assess the real-world risks that microplastics pose inside water treatment plants.
The effect of Ozonation on the chemical structure of microplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
Ozone treatment of microplastics in water caused oxidative changes to polymer surfaces including carbonyl group formation and surface cracking, which altered hydrophobicity and potentially increased the capacity of treated particles to adsorb contaminants, suggesting that ozonation in water treatment may chemically transform rather than eliminate microplastic hazards.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.