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Degradation of Micro- and Nano-Plastics by Photocatalytic Methods
Summary
This paper reviews photocatalytic methods — using light-activated catalysts — as a way to break down micro- and nano-plastics in the environment. These approaches offer a promising path toward degrading persistent plastic particles that accumulate in marine and drinking water systems.
In the last couple of years, an increasing number of dead marine animals that are full of plastic waste which ends up in the seas and oceans has been evident. Actually, micro-plastics (5-1000 m) have been detected in the stomachs of commercially important fish from the Mediterranean, as well as some drinking water in plastic bottles. Today, humanity is struggling with the presence of micro-and nanoplastics in enormous quantities in the oceans, seas, rivers and lakes. World plastic production almost reached 350 million tonnes in 2017, where China is the largest producer of plastics, 29.4% followed by Europe with 18.5%.
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