We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Experimental modeling of biodegradable microplastics
Summary
Researchers experimentally modeled the formation of biodegradable microplastics by subjecting polymers to environmental degradation factors, characterizing the resulting particles' surface properties and their capacity to adsorb toxic chemicals and microorganisms relevant to ecological risk assessment.
The accumulation of microplastics (MP) in the environment has become particularly relevant. When polymers decompose under the influence of external factors, particles of various shapes and sizes with a "developed" surface appear. The possible negative impact of MP on living organisms is associated with its ability to adsorb and transport various chemicals, often toxic, and biological objects from the external environment, such as bacteria and microorganisms. Recent findings have highlighted the role of biodegradable polymers in the production of new material. Obviously the contamination of the surface of biodegradable MP particles can significantly slow down the rate of its decomposition. Nowadays there are practically no investigations on the processes of biodegradation of such «decorated» particles. Therefore, it is now important to find model systems of appropriate composition, size and morphology, to study the physicochemical aspects of MP interaction with various "pollutants" and to study the effect of adsorbed substances on the rate of biodegradation. Cellulose particles were used as model of biodegradable MP. Aggregative-stable particles with the average hydrodynamic diameter of 300-800 nm were obtained. The negatively charged cellulose particles were modified with a p̈ollutant-̈ a cationic polymer, caustamine, used for wastewater treatment. The composition of the resulting complexes and their ability to dissociate into the initial components in water-salt media under various conditions (temperature, pH, salt concentration) were studied. The influence of the "pollutant" on the rate of biodegradation of MP under the action of enzymes was investigated. Acknowledgments The work was carried out within the project: "Modern problems of chemistry and physical chemistry of macromolecular compounds" (AAAA-A21-121011990022-4). Also see: https://micro2024.sciencesconf.org/559701/document
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Preparation of Degraded Microplastics That Imitate Surface Properties in the Environment
Researchers developed laboratory methods to prepare degraded microplastics that accurately mimic the surface properties of environmentally weathered particles, filling a gap in toxicology research that often uses pristine plastic beads instead of realistic aged particles. The study characterized how surface chemistry, roughness, and charge of laboratory-degraded microplastics compare to those collected from natural environments.
Surface Chemistry in Environmental Degradation of Polymeric Solids
Researchers reviewed the three main degradation pathways of plastic materials from a surface chemistry perspective: chemical, biological, and mechanical degradation. They described how these processes can occur consecutively or simultaneously in the environment, ultimately producing microplastics. The study provides a scientific framework for understanding how plastics break down into smaller particles, which is essential for developing strategies to address microplastic pollution.
A Systematic Study on the Degradation Products Generated from Artificially Aged Microplastics
This study systematically characterized the degradation products generated from artificially aged microplastics, finding that weathering produces a complex mixture of chemical byproducts beyond the original polymer that deserve attention in environmental risk assessments.
Simulated experimental investigation of microplastic weathering in marine environment
Researchers simulated microplastic weathering under marine conditions, finding that exposure to UV light, saltwater, and mechanical abrasion progressively degraded plastic surfaces, increased surface roughness, and enhanced the adsorption capacity of contaminants onto microplastic particles.
Biodegradable Microplastics: A Review on the Interaction with Pollutants and Influence to Organisms
This review examines the environmental behavior and toxicity of biodegradable microplastics, noting that natural conditions rarely allow complete degradation and that biodegradable plastics may fragment into microplastics more rapidly than conventional plastics. Under some conditions biodegradable microplastics may pose greater risks to organisms than conventional microplastics, particularly in combination with adsorbed pollutants.