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Degradation of Microplastics in the Environment

2022 66 citations ? Citation count from OpenAlex, updated daily. May differ slightly from the publisher's own count.
Patricia L. Corcoran

Summary

This review outlines the mechanical, chemical, and biological degradation pathways of environmental microplastics, noting that degradation rates depend on polymer structure, chemical additives, and environmental conditions such as temperature and UV exposure. Understanding how microplastics break down is essential because degradation produces smaller nanoplastics and releases toxic additives, potentially increasing bioavailability and health risks over time.

Microplastic debris in the environment degrades mechanically, chemically, and biologically. Degradation rates depend on polymer characteristics, such as structure, additives, and chemical composition, as well as environmental characteristics, such as temperature and...

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