We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Coupled Oxidation and Fragmentation of Synthetic Fabrics in Chlorinated Environments: A Hidden Source of Microplastics and Disinfection Byproduct Precursors
AI summary Read the abstract
This study revealed that chlorination of synthetic fabrics like PET and polyamide triggers a two-stage degradation mechanism releasing microplastics and dissolved organic matter as disinfection byproduct precursors. The finding is significant because water chlorination is ubiquitous in treatment and medical settings, meaning this process may inadvertently generate and disperse plastic particles into treated water supplies.
Chlorination is widely employed in medical and water treatment systems; however, its impact on polymer aging and the coupled release of microplastics (MPs) and dissolved organic matter (DOM) remains poorly understood. Existing studies have primarily focused on polymer degradation under UV irradiation or thermal conditions, largely overlooking the roles of active chlorine species and unique oxidative pathways present in practical disinfection environments. Here, we directly simulated representative chlorination conditions to investigate the degradation kinetics of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyamide 6 (PA6), and a model blended textile (PU–PA6). A multi-scale analytical framework combining field-emission SEM (FESEM), attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), and three-dimensional excitation–emission matrix fluorescence spectroscopy combined with parallel factor analysis (3D-EEM–PARAFAC) was established to elucidate the mechanistic links among surface oxidation, chain scission, and DOM optical property evolution. Our results reveal a previously unreported, material-dependent “two-stage degradation” mechanism in the blended system: the PU soft segments undergo rapid hydrolytic cleavage, triggering accelerated MPs release, followed by progressive PA6 hard-segment fragmentation that drives DOM evolution from low-molecular-weight amine-like species toward humic-like, high-molecular-weight components. This interfacial degradation process governs MPs size distribution and generates abundant submicron fragments. Unlike UV photochlorination mechanisms, which involve 1O₂-mediated aromatic rearrangements, chlorination in this study is characterized by Cl•/ClO•-initiated chain scission and enrichment of oxygen-containing functional groups, without observable surface reconstruction. Importantly, our findings demonstrate that even in the absence of light or thermal input, chlorination alone can substantially induce secondary MPs formation and produce DOM with high aromaticity and strong potential as disinfection byproduct (DBPs) precursors. This study extends the paradigm of polymer aging research by proposing a chlorination-driven, interface-mediated mechanism for coupled MPs-derived DOM (MPs–DOM) release, offering critical insights for DBPs risk assessment and control in medical and drinking water disinfection scenarios.
More Papers Like This
Sources of Synthetic Microfiber Pollutants in the Environment and Their Fate and Toxicity
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers reviewed the sources, environmental fate, and toxicity of synthetic microfiber pollutants, highlighting how rapid growth in synthetic textile production has dramatically increased microfiber release into air, water, and soil, where they accumulate and pose risks to ecosystems and human health.
Are Our Synthetic Fabrics Released into the Marine Environment? Evidences on Microplastics Pollution in Wastewater Coming from Our Laundry
AI summary Read the abstract
The MERMAIDS project confirmed that laundry wastewater is a significant vector for synthetic microplastic fibers entering the marine environment, with fiber shedding rates varying by fabric type and washing conditions. Identifying which textile auxiliaries and washing parameters minimize fiber release is a critical step toward reducing this diffuse pollution source.
Study of the Effect of Microplastics on the Generation of Chlorinated Disinfection Byproducts of Ciprofloxacin
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated how polypropylene, polyethylene, and polystyrene microplastics affect the formation of chlorinated disinfection byproducts (DBPs) when the antibiotic ciprofloxacin is chlorinated during water treatment, finding that microplastics had minimal effect on overall DBP generation. The study clarifies that while microplastics co-occur with antibiotics in treated water, they do not substantially amplify the formation of toxic chlorinated byproducts during disinfection — an important finding for drinking water safety assessment.
Synthetic Fabrics and Microfiber Pollution–An Assessment of Their Global Impact
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers assessed how washing synthetic clothing made from acrylic and polyester releases microfibers into wastewater, contributing to widespread environmental contamination as these tiny plastic threads pass through treatment systems and enter waterways and eventually the food chain.
Synthetic Textile and Microplastic Pollution: An Analysis on Environmental and Health Impact
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers analyzed how the fast fashion industry's reliance on synthetic textiles drives microplastic pollution, with each washing cycle releasing thousands of microfibers into wastewater, contributing to widespread environmental contamination and potential human health effects through inhalation and ingestion.
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.