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Degradation of Microplastics by a Thermal Fenton Reaction
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Researchers developed a thermal Fenton reaction system for degrading microplastics, achieving 95.9% weight loss of ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene in 16 hours and 75.6% mineralization efficiency, offering a promising approach for aqueous microplastic removal.
Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous in the environment and are infiltrating the food chain, causing potential risks to living beings. However, current methods of MP removal from an aqueous environment are limited by low efficiency. Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) are emerging techniques for MP purification. Herein, a hydrothermal coupled Fenton system is developed for decomposition of ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene, achieving 95.9% weight loss in 16 h and 75.6% mineralization efficiency in 12 h. The high effectiveness is attributed to the synergy of hydrothermal hydrolysis, proton-rich environment, and massive production of hydroxyl radicals. The system is also efficient to remediate different petroleum-based plastics and maintains high efficiency in practical water bodies. Characterizations revealed a two-stage degradation process: chain unfolding/stretching and oxidation, giving rise to the formation of carbonyl groups and decreased crystallinity of MPs during the hydrothermal treatment. The chain stretching stage is pivotal to the whole treatment because it remarkably facilitates subsequent chain cleavage and Fenton oxidation. This study provides a new approach to removing MPs in water bodies and new insights into MP degradation by the AOP technology.
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Hybrid Oxidation of Microplastics with Fenton and Hydrothermal Reactions
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Researchers developed a method combining two chemical processes (Fenton reaction and hydrothermal treatment) to break down microplastics in water, achieving over 98% destruction in 24 hours. The process works by inserting oxygen-containing groups into the plastic chains, making them break apart more easily. Importantly, the leftover liquid showed no toxic effects, suggesting this could be a safe and effective approach for removing microplastics from water.
Evaluation of Fenton, Photo-Fenton and Fenton-like Processes in Degradation of PE, PP, and PVC Microplastics
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Scientists tested whether Fenton-based chemical processes, which use iron and hydrogen peroxide to create powerful cleaning reactions, could break down common microplastics in water. They found that the photo-Fenton process (using UV light) was effective at degrading polyethylene and PVC microplastics, but polypropylene was resistant to all treatments. This research is important because it explores practical ways to destroy microplastics in water treatment, though not all plastic types respond equally.
Efficient degradation and mineralization of polyethylene terephthalate microplastics by the synergy of sulfate and hydroxyl radicals in a heterogeneous electro-Fenton-activated persulfate oxidation system
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Researchers developed a new electrochemical system that broke down over 91% of PET microplastics (the type found in water bottles and food packaging) in water within 12 hours. This cleanup technology works by generating powerful chemical radicals that attack the plastic structure, offering a promising approach for removing microplastics from water before they can enter drinking water systems or accumulate in food chains.
Advanced Oxidation Processes For Microplastic Removal From Water: A Comparative Study Of UV/H₂O₂, Ozonation, And Fenton Reactions
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Lab tests treated water samples spiked with polyethylene and polystyrene microplastic particles using three chemical treatment methods. All three methods broke down 68% to 95% of the microplastics, with the Fenton reaction working best and smaller particles breaking down more easily than larger ones.
Insights into the degradation of microplastics by Fenton oxidation: From surface modification to mineralization
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Researchers investigated Fenton oxidation of five common microplastic types, finding that while bulk particles showed modest weight losses of around 10%, polystyrene nanoplastics achieved 70% mineralization, with aromatic polymers being more susceptible to degradation.
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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.