We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Papers
61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Humic substance/metal-oxide multifunctional nanoparticles as advanced antibacterial-antimycotic agents and photocatalysts for the degradation of PLA microplastics under UVA/solar radiation
ClearEfficiency of Hybrid Materials for Photocatalytic Degradation of Micro‐ and Nano‐Plastics
Researchers reviewed how hybrid materials — combinations of multiple substances engineered at the nanoscale — can serve as highly effective photocatalysts to break down microplastics and nanoplastics using light energy. These multi-functional materials improve electron separation and reaction efficiency compared to single-component catalysts, representing a promising technological pathway for removing persistent plastic particles from the environment.
Design and Structural Modification of Advanced Biomaterials for Photocatalytic Degradation of Micro‐ and Nano‐Plastics
Researchers designed advanced biomaterials engineered to harness sunlight for breaking down micro- and nanoplastics through photocatalysis, combining nanotechnology and materials science to create eco-friendly, biodegradable particles capable of capturing and degrading plastic pollutants across diverse environmental conditions.
Humic acid accelerates polyurethane microplastic degradation via light-dark synergy, shortening degradation cycle over one-third
Researchers found that applying humic acid alongside controlled-release fertilizer coated in polyurethane accelerated the degradation of polyurethane microplastics by 34.3-43.9% through a light-dark synergistic mechanism while simultaneously increasing crop yields by 12.3-22.4%, addressing both agricultural productivity and plastic pollution.
Revealing the effect of humic substance compounds on the aged characteristics and release compounds profiles from photodegradation of polyethylene microplastics
This study investigated how humic substances (humic acid and fulvic acid) — natural organic compounds abundant in water and soil — affect how polyethylene microplastics degrade under UV light and what chemical by-products are released. Humic acid accelerated degradation more than fulvic acid, producing a wider range of oxidised breakdown compounds and releasing siloxane additives from the plastic. The findings matter because microplastics in real environments are always exposed to natural organic matter, which can substantially change both how fast they degrade and what toxic compounds they release.
Alleviating binary toxicity of polystyrene nanoplastics and atrazine to Chlorella vulgaris through humic acid interaction: Long-term toxicity using environmentally relevant concentrations
Researchers found that when nanoplastics and the herbicide atrazine were combined in water, they had a synergistic toxic effect on algae that was worse than either pollutant alone. However, adding humic acid, a natural substance found in soil and water, significantly reduced this combined toxicity by coating the nanoplastics and changing their surface properties. This suggests that natural organic matter in the environment may offer some protection against the harmful effects of nanoplastic-chemical mixtures.
Synergistic effects of Fe-based nanomaterial catalyst on humic substances formation and microplastics mitigation during sewage sludge composting
Researchers developed a novel iron-based nanomaterial catalyst and applied it during sewage sludge composting to enhance the formation of beneficial humic substances while reducing microplastic contamination. The catalyst significantly increased humic acid content and accelerated the breakdown of microplastics in the compost. The findings suggest that iron-based nanomaterials could serve a dual purpose in improving compost quality while helping address microplastic pollution in organic waste.
Nanoparticle-Based Bioremediation Approach for Plastics and Microplastics
This review explores how nanoparticle-enhanced bioremediation approaches can help address plastic and microplastic pollution. Researchers found that combining biological degradation by bacteria and fungi with engineered nanoparticles can improve the efficiency of breaking down various plastic polymers. The study suggests that these hybrid bioremediation strategies offer a promising eco-friendly pathway for mitigating plastic contamination in the environment.
Insight into microplastic-derived DOM modulation of interfacial reactive pathways in covalent triazine framework photocatalysis
Scientists found that tiny plastic particles in water break down into dissolved chemicals that can actually help clean up harmful pollutants like BPA (a chemical linked to health problems). When these plastic-derived chemicals interact with special cleaning materials that use light, they boost the breakdown of dangerous substances in water. This discovery could lead to better ways to clean contaminated water, though more research is needed to understand the full health impacts of these plastic-derived chemicals themselves.
Polypropylene microplastic degradation using ultraporous polarized hydroxyapatite and sunlight
Researchers demonstrated that ultraporous polarized hydroxyapatite combined with sunlight can degrade polypropylene microplastics, offering a photocatalytic approach that avoids energy-intensive treatment systems. The study presents a solar-driven degradation pathway using a biocompatible mineral material, with potential for both aquatic and terrestrial microplastic remediation.
Exploring the mechanisms of humic acid mediated degradation of polystyrene microplastics under ultraviolet light conditions
Humic acid in water promoted the photodegradation of polystyrene microplastics under UV light by generating higher levels of hydroxyl radicals (0.631 mM), resulting in 4.3% greater weight loss, smaller average particle size (89.5 microns), and more oxygen-containing products compared to UV alone.
Porphyrin-Conjugated Hybrid Nanomaterials for Photocatalytic Wastewater Remediation
Researchers reviewed the use of porphyrin-conjugated hybrid nanomaterials for photocatalytic wastewater treatment, including the degradation of microplastics. The study found that these materials show strong visible-light absorption and enhanced electron properties that make them effective at breaking down hazardous pollutants, offering a promising approach for environmental remediation.
Comparison of Cytotoxicityand Photocatalytic Propertiesof Iron Vanadate Nanoparticles with Commercial Catalysts: For theDegradation of Microplastics and Bacterial Inactivation Application
This study compared the cytotoxicity and photocatalytic properties of iron vanadate nanoparticles for degrading microplastics and associated antibiotic-resistant bacteria in water, finding effective photocatalytic activity under solar light that could address both plastic contamination and antimicrobial resistance simultaneously.
Application of Nanomaterials in the Degradation of Micro and Nano Plastics
This review examined the application of nanomaterials for degrading micro- and nanoplastics, covering photocatalytic, oxidative, and biological nanomaterial approaches and evaluating their efficiency and scalability for plastic pollution remediation.
Comparison of Cytotoxicity and Photocatalytic Properties of Iron Vanadate Nanoparticles with Commercial Catalysts: For the Degradation of Microplastics and Bacterial Inactivation Application
Researchers compared iron vanadate nanoparticles with commercial photocatalysts for degrading microplastics and inactivating bacteria using solar light. The iron vanadate catalyst showed moderate cytotoxicity at low concentrations and demonstrated effective photocatalytic activity against both microplastics and bacterial contamination. The study suggests that iron vanadate nanoparticles could serve as a dual-purpose water treatment material for addressing microplastic pollution and microbial contamination simultaneously.
Humic substance mitigated the microplastic-induced inhibition of hydroxyl radical production in riparian sediment
Researchers investigated how humic substances mitigate the inhibitory effects of microplastics on hydroxyl radical production during photochemical reactions in water, finding that humic matter partially restored radical generation suppressed by plastic particles. The results suggest natural organic matter plays a protective role in environments where microplastics otherwise dampen oxidative water chemistry.
Nanophotocatalytic synergistic degradation of antibiotics and microplastics: Mechanisms, material design, and environmental applications
This review examines how microplastics and antibiotics interact in water during photocatalytic treatment, finding that microplastics can both help (by shuttling electrons) and hinder (by shielding light or hosting biofilms) the degradation process, depending on conditions. Aged microplastics — which have more surface oxygen groups — adsorb more antibiotics, making them tougher composite targets for treatment systems. Understanding these interactions is essential for designing water purification systems that can handle the combined pollution reality of modern waterways.
A convenient strategy for mitigating microplastics in wastewater treatment using natural light and ZnO nanoparticles as photocatalysts: A mechanistic study
Researchers showed that zinc oxide nanoparticles can break down polypropylene microplastics using natural sunlight as an energy source. The photocatalytic process generated free radicals that attacked and degraded the plastic polymer chains. This solar-powered approach could provide a low-cost, practical method for removing microplastics from wastewater before it is discharged into the environment.
Role of Nanotechnology in Plastic and Microplastic Management
This review examines how nanotechnology can enhance plastic and microplastic degradation, describing how nanomaterials can modify microbial metabolic pathways to improve biodegradation rates and how photocatalytic approaches can break down plastics into low-molecular-weight intermediates suitable for use as chemical feedstocks.
Decomposition of microplastics using copper oxide/bismuth vanadate-based photocatalysts: Insight mechanisms and environmental impacts
Researchers developed a light-activated catalyst using copper oxide and bismuth vanadate that can break down microplastics in wastewater. The treatment effectively degraded the plastic surfaces, though the treated water still needed dilution before being safely discharged due to residual chemicals that were harmful to test organisms. This technology could help reduce microplastic levels in wastewater before it reaches rivers and oceans where it enters the food chain.
Change in adsorption behavior of aquatic humic substances on microplastic through biotic and abiotic aging processes
Researchers found that both UV irradiation and microbial aging of polyethylene microplastics significantly altered their surface chemistry, changing how aquatic humic substances adsorb onto the plastic surface and highlighting the importance of weathering state in assessing microplastic-contaminant interactions.
Photocatalytic Degradation of Microplastics in Aquatic Environments: Materials, Mechanisms, Practical Challenges, and Future Perspectives
This review examines how light-activated materials called photocatalysts can break down microplastics in water into harmless byproducts using sunlight or UV light. While still facing challenges with incomplete breakdown and variable sunlight conditions, this technology offers a promising way to reduce microplastic contamination in water sources that affect human health.
Photocatalytic strategy to mitigate microplastic pollution in aquatic environments: Promising catalysts, efficiencies, mechanisms, and ecological risks
This review summarizes recent advances in photocatalytic degradation of microplastics, covering catalysts, mechanisms, and reactive oxygen species generation pathways. The authors call for more realistic photocatalytic materials, better mechanistic understanding of degradation intermediates, and quantitative ecological risk assessment of photocatalysis byproducts.
Integrated photothermal and photocatalytic degradation of micro-/nanoplastics: a mini-review with mechanistic insights and future perspectives
This mini-review examines how combined photothermal and photocatalytic technologies can be used to break down micro- and nanoplastics in the environment. Researchers describe how these approaches use light energy to generate heat and reactive chemical species that degrade plastic particles. The study outlines the underlying mechanisms and discusses future directions for making these treatment methods practical at larger scales.
Advanced synergistic remediation of diverse plastic pollutants using nano-enabled biocatalysts
This review examines advanced synergistic remediation strategies using nano-enabled technologies to address diverse plastic pollutants, covering photocatalytic, enzymatic, and combined approaches that can simultaneously degrade multiple polymer types in contaminated water and soil.