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The effect of water ozonation in the presence of microplastics on water quality and microplastics degradation
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Researchers tested how ozone-based water treatment affects microplastic particles and found that the process can break down the plastics, releasing harmful chemicals like phthalic acid esters into the treated water. Polyethylene was the most susceptible to degradation, with surface area losses up to about 27%. The study suggests that water treatment plants may unintentionally worsen water quality when microplastics are present during ozonation.
The occurrence of microplastics in water treatment plants poses a concern for the quality of treated water. When microplastics pass through water treatment plants, they can be oxidized, changing their surface characteristics and the quality of the treated water. This work aimed to investigate the impact of ozone and the association of ozone and hydrogen peroxide on five different microplastic particles that are commonly detected in water samples. The changes in the concentration of total organic carbon and the change in the pH of the water, the leaching of phthalic acid esters, as well as the changes in size and chemical changes in the structure of the tested microplastics were evaluated. The influence of ozonation time, water pH, and type of microplastics, as well as the influence of the addition of hydrogen peroxide, was analyzed. The effect of ozonation was an increase in DOC values ranging from 0.8 to 28 mg/L. The eluting substances included phthalic acid esters, plasticizers with a proven negative impact on organisms. The percentage loss of the surface area of the microplastic was in the range of 1.3 to 26.7 %. PE was more susceptible to degradation. LDIR analyzes were carried out to investigate the effect of O and O/HO treatments on the surface of MPs. This study demonstrated that MPs could change their physical and chemical characteristics if they are subjected to oxidation processes used in water treatment plants. The parameters of purified water change to unfavorable ones due to the leaching of additives. Although much research has been conducted on the occurrence of microplastics in treated water, awareness needs to be raised about the interactions between plastic particles and water treatment technology processes.
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Changes in physical and chemical properties of microplastics by ozonation
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Researchers examined how ozone treatment in water systems changes the physical and chemical properties of six common types of microplastics. They found that ozonation altered surface roughness, wettability, and chemical composition of the plastics, with some types being more affected than others. The findings are important because these changes could influence how microplastics interact with other pollutants and organisms in treated water.
The effect of Ozonation on the chemical structure of microplastics
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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.
Ozone-mediated breakdown of microplastics in aqueous environments
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Researchers examined how ozone-based advanced oxidation processes break down microplastics in water treatment settings. They found that while ozone can degrade certain plastics, the effectiveness varies depending on particle size, polymer type, and treatment conditions, and the process may generate nanoplastic byproducts. The study highlights both the promise and limitations of ozone treatment as a strategy for removing microplastics from wastewater.
Effects of Ozonation and Anaerobic Digestion on the Physicochemical Properties of Low-Density Polyethylene, Polypropylene, and Polyamide 66 Microplastics
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Scientists tested whether ozone treatment could help break down tiny plastic particles (called microplastics) that build up in wastewater treatment plants. The ozone changed the surface chemistry of the plastics and made them less stable, but didn't actually reduce the amount of plastic particles. This research is important because microplastics from wastewater can end up in our food and water, so finding better ways to remove or break them down could help protect human health.
Physicochemical changes in microplastics and formation of DBPs under ozonation
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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.
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