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Disinfection impacts: Effects of different disinfection treatments on common polymer types to guide the identification of polymers of concern in the water industry
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Researchers tested how common water disinfection methods, including chlorination and chloramination, affect seven types of plastic particles at different doses and pH levels. They found that both treatments caused measurable physical and chemical changes to the polymers, with some plastics showing significant surface degradation and chemical alterations. The findings suggest that water treatment processes may unintentionally transform microplastics in ways that could affect their environmental behavior and potential health impacts.
Abstract Disinfection is a standard water treatment process. Plastics are found in various components of water infrastructure and the presence of microplastics in the water cycle raises environmental and human health concerns. Thus, this research investigated the physicochemical impacts of chlorination and chloramination on seven types of virgin and biofouled polymers (125–250 μm) under three disinfectant doses, three pH conditions in potable and recycled water. Our results indicated that both chlorination and chloramination impacted the seven polymers, with polypropylene (PP), expanded polystyrene (EPS) and polyamide (PA) being most impacted, signalling these as polymers of concern. Surface morphological changes were observed. FTIR spectra revealed cleavage of bonds and formation of carbonyl groups indicating degradation. While disinfection is helpful for treating pathogenic microorganisms, the risks of generating microplastics below detection limits are highlighted. Microplastics in disinfected water can lead to biofilm formation, increased adsorption of contaminants and disinfection by-products, compromising water quality and posing challenges for treatment. This research provides valuable insights into the physicochemical impacts of chlorination and chloramination on polymers, enhancing our understanding of their behaviour and fate in water and wastewater environments. While additional ecotoxicological research is needed to fully understand health implications, our study emphasizes the need for targeted intervention strategies of high-use polymers of concern.
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Decision: Disinfection impacts: Effects of different disinfection treatments on common polymer types to guide the identification of polymers of concern in the water industry — R0/PR5
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This study investigated how chlorination and chloramination water disinfection treatments affect the physicochemical properties of seven common polymer types at different disinfectant concentrations. Both disinfection methods altered plastic surface properties and increased microplastic fragmentation potential, raising concerns that standard water treatment practices may exacerbate MP pollution.
Decision: Disinfection impacts: Effects of different disinfection treatments on common polymer types to guide the identification of polymers of concern in the water industry — R2/PR13
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Researchers tested the effects of chlorination and chloramination on seven polymer types under varying pH and disinfectant doses in potable and recycled water systems. Both disinfection treatments altered the surface chemistry of all polymers studied, increasing carbonyl content and surface roughness, with implications for microplastic detection reliability and potential toxicity changes after treatment.
Review: Disinfection impacts: Effects of different disinfection treatments on common polymer types to guide the identification of polymers of concern in the water industry — R1/PR8
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Researchers tested the physicochemical effects of chlorination and chloramination on seven virgin and biofouled polymer types at multiple doses and pH levels in potable and recycled water. Polypropylene, expanded polystyrene, and polyamide were most impacted by surface changes and chemical bond cleavage, identifying them as polymers of concern for water safety in distribution systems.
Review: Disinfection impacts: Effects of different disinfection treatments on common polymer types to guide the identification of polymers of concern in the water industry — R1/PR7
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Researchers tested the physicochemical effects of chlorination and chloramination on seven virgin and biofouled polymer types at multiple doses and pH levels in potable and recycled water. Polypropylene, expanded polystyrene, and polyamide were most impacted by surface changes and chemical bond cleavage, identifying them as polymers of concern for water safety in distribution systems.
Modifications of ultraviolet irradiation and chlorination on microplastics: Effect of sterilization pattern
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Researchers found that both UV irradiation and chlorination used in drinking water treatment alter the surface properties, size distribution, and chemical composition of microplastics, with combined treatments producing greater modifications and potentially increasing the release of plastic additives and adsorbed contaminants.
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