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Impact of a Modified Fenton Process on the Degradation of a Component Leached from Microplastics in Bottom Sediments
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Researchers tested a modified chemical process (Fenton reaction) for breaking down di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), a plasticizer that leaches from microplastics into sediments. The process showed promising results for degrading this hard-to-remove contaminant, which is associated with hormone disruption.
This paper describes work to assess the possibility of a modified Fenton process being used to remove the hard-to-degrade plasticizer di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) from the bottom sediments of a reservoir. The modifications in question entail iron(II) ions being replaced by iron(III), as well as facilitation of the process using a chelating agent. Analysis further revolved around the impact of such factors as amounts of reagents, reaction of the environment, initial contents of the contaminant, and the presence of other “competing” contaminants also of a hard-to-decompose nature. As the maximum efficiency of DEHP removal obtained did not exceed 30%, the low susceptibility to degradation is made clear, as is the need for earlier desorption of the contaminant from the matrix. The effect of the modified Fenton process on the content of organic matter and dissolved organic carbon was also considered, as was the tendency to cause selected metals and plant nutrients to leach from bottom sediments.
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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.
Occurrence and distribution of microplastic particles and the concentration of Di 2-ethyl hexyl phthalate (DEHP) in microplastics and wastewater in the wastewater treatment plant
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Researchers investigated the presence and fate of microplastics during the wastewater treatment process, along with the plasticizer DEHP associated with them. They found that while treatment stages reduced microplastic numbers, the particles persisted throughout the process, and DEHP was detected in both the microplastics and surrounding wastewater. The study suggests that wastewater treatment plants are a significant pathway through which microplastics and associated chemicals enter the environment.
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Adding small amounts of polypropylene and polystyrene microplastics to marine sediments slightly enhanced breakdown of the plasticizer dibutyl phthalate, but higher concentrations inhibited degradation. The findings suggest microplastics alter the chemical fate of co-occurring pollutants in ocean sediments by affecting sorption and microbial communities.
Effect of particle size and environmental conditions on the release of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate from microplastics
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Researchers studied how the plasticizer DEHP leaches out of microplastics under different environmental conditions, finding that smaller particles release more of the chemical due to their greater surface area. Higher temperatures, lower pH, and higher salt concentrations all increased the rate of DEHP release. The study suggests that environmental conditions can significantly influence how much potentially harmful chemical is released from microplastic debris in soil and 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.
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