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Freezing-induced microplastic degradation in an anoxic Fe(ii)-containing solution: the key role of Fe(iv) and ·OH
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Researchers found that freezing accelerates microplastic degradation in iron-containing anoxic solutions, driven by highly reactive iron(IV) species and hydroxyl radicals generated through freeze-induced concentration of iron cycling reactions.
The Fe( iii )/Fe( ii ) cycle together with newly formed EPFRs and H 2 O 2 can cause microplastic degradation in ice.
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TheOverlooked Driver of Microplastic Chemical Oxidationin Cold Soils: Reactive Oxygen Species Generation Mediated by Freeze–ThawCycles
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Researchers found that freeze-thaw cycles drive the oxidative aging of aromatic microplastics — including PET, PLA-PBAT, and polystyrene — in cold soils by generating reactive oxygen species such as singlet oxygen and hydrogen peroxide, a mechanism absent in non-aromatic polymers like polyethylene and polyamide.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.