Hydrothermal integrated chemical treatment of microplastics for efficient degradation: Mechanistic insight and degradation behavior

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

Chemical Technologies to Degrade Microplastic Pollution

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Researchers reviewed chemical methods for degrading microplastics in the environment, including oxidation, photocatalysis, and other advanced treatment technologies. These approaches could eventually help remove the billions of plastic particles already polluting water, soil, and food sources worldwide, though most remain in early experimental stages.

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.

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.

Microbial degradation of microplastics by enzymatic processes: a review

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Microorganisms including bacteria, fungi, and algae produce enzymes capable of degrading microplastics, offering a biologically safe remediation pathway that avoids secondary toxic byproducts. Advancing our understanding of specific enzymes and their degradation mechanisms could unlock scalable solutions for eliminating persistent microplastic contamination from marine and terrestrial environments.