We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Study of the polystyrene degradation in water using nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA)
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers used nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) to monitor the degradation of polystyrene plastic in water, tracking how it breaks down into smaller and smaller particles over time. The study documents the generation of nanoplastics from polystyrene degradation, providing data on how plastic debris evolves into nanoscale particles that are harder to detect and remove.
Several studies describe the release of plastic materials from irregular disposal in landfills affecting soil and water qualities. Studies report that increasing plastics are released into ecosystems estimating approximately 100 million tons by 2030 and, as a consequence causing serious damage to the environment. The impact on the water resources due to contamination is a critical issue. Thus, this research used a nanoparticle tracking system method - NTA (LM20) to determine the concentrations of nanoplastics emitted in aqueous solutions. The rate of nanoplastics production is important to design methods to mitigate the contamination. The present study results showed that the concentrations emitted in samples of 500 mg and 1 g of polystyrene initially reach 0.42E8 particles.mL-1 and 2.09E8 particles.mL-1 and continuously forms new structures increase the concentration in solution and the average particle size along the time. Thus, this research carried out a systematic study of the degradation of polystyrene over 7, 14, and 28 days under 30 °C, 50 °C and 70 °C, respectively. This research concluded that up to 27% of nanoplastic release is expected due to the environment temperature variation during the seasons of tropical regions.
More Papers Like This
Evaluation of Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA) for the Measurement of Nanoplastics in Drinking Water
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers evaluated nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) as a method for measuring nanoplastics in drinking water, finding that NTA could detect polystyrene nanoplastics at environmentally relevant concentrations but struggled to discriminate plastic particles from natural organic nanoparticles in real water samples. The authors identified NTA as a useful screening tool requiring complementary chemical identification methods for definitive nanoplastic quantification.
Characterisation of nanoplastics during the degradation of polystyrene
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers used nanoparticle tracking analysis to characterize how polystyrene degrades into nanoplastic particles under controlled laboratory conditions. They found that UV exposure and mechanical stress produced vast quantities of nanoscale particles from disposable coffee cup lids, with concentrations increasing over time. The study provides direct evidence that everyday plastic items can break down into nanoplastics, raising concerns about an invisible layer of environmental contamination.
Degradation of nanoplastics in the environment: Reactivity and impact on atmospheric and surface waters
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers used polystyrene nanoparticles as a proxy to study nanoplastic degradation pathways in the environment, examining their reactivity and potential impact on both atmospheric chemistry and surface water quality. The study found that nanoplastics undergo transformation processes that may affect atmospheric aerosol composition and aquatic ecosystems.
Trace analysis of polystyrene microplastics in natural waters
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed and evaluated analytical methods for trace-level quantification of polystyrene microplastics and nanoplastics in natural water samples, addressing key challenges in sensitivity and accuracy that limit realistic environmental risk assessment.
Preparation of Polystyrene Nanoparticles with Environmental Relevance Using a Gradual Degradation Method.
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers prepared polystyrene nanoparticles of environmental relevance using a gradual degradation method that simulates natural weathering conditions, finding that nanofragment size evolved dynamically from below 250 nm at 3 days to 300-500 nm at 6 days before forming two sub-200 nm peaks at 9 days.
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.