We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Enhanced degradation of microplastics during sludge composting via microbially-driven Fenton reaction
Summary
Researchers demonstrated that microbially-driven Fenton reactions during sludge composting can significantly enhance microplastic degradation, with hydroxyl radicals generated by iron-reducing bacteria accelerating the breakdown of plastic particles in composting environments.
It has been increasingly documented that the hydroxyl radical (•OH) can promote the transformation of organic contaminants such as microplastics (MPs) in various environments. However, few studies have sought to identify an ideal strategy for accelerating in situ MPs degradation through boosting the process of •OH production in practical applications. In this work, iron-mineral-supplemented thermophilic composting (imTC) is proposed and demonstrated for enhancing in situ degradation of sludge-based MPs through strengthening •OH generation. The results show that the reduction efficiency of sludge-based MPs abundance was about 35.93% in imTC after treatment for 36 days, which was 38.99% higher than that of ordinary thermophilic composting (oTC). Further investigation on polyethylene-microplastics (PE-MPs) suggested that higher abundance of •OH (the maximum value was 408.1 μmol·kg) could be detected on the MPs isolated from imTC through microbially-mediated redox transformation of iron oxides, as compared to oTC. Analyses of the physicochemical properties of the composted PE-MPs indicated that increased •OH generation could largely accelerate the oxidative degradation of MPs. This work, for the first time, proposes a feasible strategy to enhance the reduction efficiency of MPs abundance during composting through the regulation of •OH production.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Free radicals accelerate in situ ageing of microplastics during sludge composting
Researchers discovered that free radicals generated during sludge composting, including persistent free radicals and reactive oxygen species, significantly accelerate the aging and degradation of microplastics, revealing an overlooked abiotic transformation pathway.
Effects of Fe3O4 NMs based Fenton-like reactions on biodegradable plastic bags in compost: New insight into plastisphere community succession, co-composting efficiency and free radical in situ aging theory
Researchers found that adding iron oxide nanoparticles to food waste compost created Fenton-like reactions that generated hydroxyl radicals, broke down biodegradable plastic bags by 39% in molecular weight within 40 days, and enriched plastisphere microorganisms — while also improving compost maturity and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Synergistic effects of Fe-based nanomaterial catalyst on humic substances formation and microplastics mitigation during sewage sludge composting
Researchers developed a novel iron-based nanomaterial catalyst and applied it during sewage sludge composting to enhance the formation of beneficial humic substances while reducing microplastic contamination. The catalyst significantly increased humic acid content and accelerated the breakdown of microplastics in the compost. The findings suggest that iron-based nanomaterials could serve a dual purpose in improving compost quality while helping address microplastic pollution in organic waste.
Mechanisms of polystyrene microplastic degradation by the microbially driven Fenton reaction
Researchers demonstrated that polystyrene microplastics can be continuously degraded through the microbially driven Fenton reaction using Shewanella putrefaciens, revealing that bacteria produce protective biofilms to withstand hydroxyl radical damage while maintaining their degradation capacity.
Hybrid mechanism of microplastics degradation via biological and chemical process during composting
Researchers explored how composting can degrade microplastics through combined biological and chemical processes. They found that pre-aged microplastics broke down about three times faster than non-aged ones during composting, with microorganisms and chemical oxidation working together to accelerate degradation. The study suggests that composting may offer a practical approach for reducing microplastic contamination in organic waste streams.