We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Impact of treatment chemicals on the morphology and molecular structure of microfibers and microplastic films in wastewater
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed microfibers and microplastic films to common wastewater treatment chemicals (sodium hypochlorite, hydrogen peroxide, calcium hydroxide) and found that these treatments cause significant morphological and molecular structural changes to plastic particles.
This study investigated the impact of commonly used treatment chemicals on the morphology and molecular structure of microfibers (MFs) and microplastic films (MPFs) to determine whether significant changes could occur during wastewater treatment. MFs and MPFs were exposed to sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2, pH 11), sodium hydroxide (NaOH, pH11), and hydrochloric acid (HCl, pH 3) at typical doses and exposure times used at wastewater treatment plants. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis and attenuated total reflectance-Fourier-transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) were used to examine any morphological or chemical changes after the treatment. Morphological changes were observed in the form of cracks, and increased roughness was revealed in the SEM and 3-D surface images. The results showed that MFs were more resistant to surface degradation than MPFs. Moreover, intensity peaks of ATR-FTIR revealed some partial dislodgement of the bonds in both MFs and MPFs after chemical treatment, but the overall polymer structure remained intact. The changes that occur on the surface of MFs and MPFs during chemical treatment can impact their fate, removal, and transportation behavior both at the treatment plant and after discharge to the environment.
More Papers Like This
Effect of Chemical Agents on the Morphology and Chemical Structures of Microplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated how common chemical pretreatment agents — including strong acids, bases, and oxidizing agents — alter the morphology and chemical structure of various microplastics, providing guidance for optimizing microplastic sample preparation protocols.
Fate and potential risks of microplastic fibers and fragments in water and wastewater treatment processes
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers tested how different water treatment steps handle microplastic fibers and fragments, finding that sand filtration was most effective at 98% removal, while activated sludge and chemical treatment removed only 55-61%. Importantly, UV-based disinfection caused microplastic fragments to release dissolved chemicals that were toxic to cells and bacteria. This study reveals that some water treatment processes, while removing visible microplastics, may inadvertently create new chemical hazards from the plastic particles they break down.
Impact of Chlorine or UV/H2O2 on Microplastics Under Conditions Representative of Drinking Water Treatment
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed low- and high-density polyethylene microplastics to chlorine and UV/H2O2 at drinking-water-relevant doses and found that surface changes and cytotoxicity increases reported in earlier studies occurred only at far higher doses than used in practice.
Microplastics aging in wastewater treatment plants: Focusing on physicochemical characteristics changes and corresponding environmental risks
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines how microplastics undergo physical and chemical changes during wastewater treatment, including alterations to their shape, size, density, and surface properties. These changes affect how microplastics behave once released into the environment, influencing their ability to carry pollutants and interact with living organisms. The study highlights that understanding these transformations is just as important as measuring how many microplastics are removed during treatment.
Disinfection impacts: Effects of different disinfection treatments on common polymer types to guide the identification of polymers of concern in the water industry
AI summary Read the abstract
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.
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.