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Evaluation of Microplastic Decomposition in Water Using Titanium Dioxide Photocatalysis
Original title: 이산화티타늄 광촉매를 활용한 수중의 미세플라스틱 분해 평가
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This Korean study evaluated titanium dioxide photocatalysis under ultraviolet light as a potential treatment method for degrading polyamide microfibers in wastewater effluent. The results suggest photocatalysis could be a viable approach for targeting microplastics at sewage treatment plants, which currently lack microplastic-specific removal technology.
Untreated effluent containing microplastics at sewage treatment plants(STPs) and wastewater treatment plants(WWTSs) have been continuously reported to have adverse effects on marine ecosystems. However, there is no suitable microplastic-targeted technology applied STPs and WWTSs. In this study, photocatalysis is evaluated as a potential technology to treat microplastic in STPs and WWTPs by degrading polyamide66 (PA66) microfibres using ultraviolet (UV) and titanium dioxide (TiO2). PA66 microfibres immersed in deionised water were exposed to different combinations of UV and TiO2. The degradation of the PA66 microfibres was monitored by changes in mass, carbony lindex and morphology using micro balance, and Scanning Electron Microscopy. The formation of by-products from the degradation of the fibres was also evaluated by measuring the chemical oxygen demand (COD) of the treated water. The degradation efficiency was optimised under UVC with 100 mg/L of TiO2. Under these conditions, the PA66 microfibres had a 97% mass loss within 48 h. Moreover, photocatalysis generated are latively low level of by-products (<10 mg/L of COD). Therefore, it could potentially be a feasible technology to treat microfibres in STPs and WWTPs. Further work is needed to translate the present optimised conditions to STPs and WWTPs.
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