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Dynamic formation of microplastics from plastic waste in landfill leachate pressure-bearing zone
Summary
Laboratory experiments tracked how microplastics form dynamically from larger plastic waste in landfill conditions over time. The study helps quantify the landfill as a long-term source of secondary microplastic generation and potential leaching into surrounding soils and groundwater.
The leachate pressure-bearing zone in landfill sites is an important source and sink of microplastics (MPs), yet the formation processes and mechanisms under these conditions remain unclear. This study investigated MPs dynamics from plastic waste under simulated landfill conditions, revealing critical differences between plastic types. Polyethylene (PE) showed minimal fragmentation, while poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate)/polylactic acid (PBAT/PLA) generated substantial MPs (up to 1.39 × 10 items/L) under atmospheric pressure, with particles below 100 μm progressively dominating the size distribution. Temperature emerged as the primary driver of MP formation, accelerating PBAT/PLA depolymerization and leading to surface formation of carbonyl, hydroxyl, and ether groups. Conversely, pressure indirectly suppressed MP release by inhibiting microbial activity. Leachate parameters (DOC/COD) effectively predicted MP dynamics, providing practical monitoring indicators. These results elucidated the mechanisms of MP generation in landfill pressure environments, offering valuable insights for MP pollution control and waste management strategies.
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