The
detection
of
significantly
different
concentrations
polyolefin
microplastics
(MPs)
in
two
nearby
marine
sandy
beaches
northern
Tuscany,
Italy,
prompted
the
present
investigation
on
possible
role
matrix
accelerating
polymer
degradation,
already
occurring
as
a
result
photo-oxidation.
polypropylene
(PP)
and
polyethylene
(PE)
MPs
sand
sediments
was
based
P.I.S.A.
(Polymer
Identification
Specific
Analysis)
procedure,
allowing
determination
total
mass
all
particles
below
given
threshold
(here
2
mm,
set
by
preliminary
sieving
sampled
beach
sand).
cause
for
much
lower
concentration
one
(Lecciona,
within
natural
park
stretching
along
coast)
successfully
correlated
with
peculiar
composition,
characterized
relatively
high
content
iron-containing
minerals
such
magnetite
ferrous
serpentine
(a
hydrous
magnesium
iron
phyllosilicate).
accelerated
photo-oxidative
degradation
PP,
measured
model
virgin
after
both
UV
Xe
lamp
irradiation
(the
latter
simulating
solar
light).
Similarly,
showed
catalytic
effect
thermal
(at
T=60
°C)
environmentally
aged
PP
kept
dark
during
treatment.
These
results
clearly
indicate
that
environment
may
possess,
under
appropriate
conditions
presence
which
are
dispersed,
combined
intensive
sun
exposure),
effective
self-cleaning
ability,
thus
better
than
expected
resilience
to
ever
increasing
pollution
so-called
plastisphere.
Applied Catalysis B Environment and Energy,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
353, P. 124056 - 124056
Published: April 18, 2024
The
rise
of
nanoplastics
(NPs)
as
a
water
pollutant
poses
threats
to
aquatic
ecosystems
and
human
health.
This
study
presents
an
approach
that
combines
solar
water-driven
energy
sources
with
advanced
materials
degrade
NPs.
For
this
purpose,
SnO2/g-C3N4/PVDF-HFP
piezo-photocatalyst
has
been
developed.
SnO2/g-C3N4
photocatalyst
Z-Scheme
charge
transfer
demonstrates
high
activity
under
simulated
light.
Simultaneously,
ultrasound
waves,
employed
mimic
motion,
serve
activate
the
piezoelectric
properties
g-C3N4,
thereby
enhancing
separation.
Moreover,
immobilization
onto
poly
(vinylidene
fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene)
(PVDF-HFP)
nanofiber
mats
augments
its
piezocatalytic
efficiency
prevents
dispersion
in
reaction
media.
During
piezo-photocatalytic
process,
generated
reactive
species
attack
polystyrene
(PS)
NPs
introduce
oxygen-based
functional
groups.
leads
surface
corrosion,
fragmentation,
46
%
mineralization
just
15
h
mild
conditions,
outperforming
existing
literature.
Overall,
research
emphasizes
importance
harnessing
renewable
for
NP
remediation.
Catalysts,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
14(4), P. 252 - 252
Published: April 11, 2024
Currently,
public
health
is
seriously
threatened
by
the
massive
concentrations
of
emerging
contaminants.
Treating
contaminants
in
water
using
effective
methods
has
become
a
major
challenge
worldwide.
Photocatalytic
technology,
as
an
eco-friendly
been
recognized
means
removing
from
water.
Among
various
photocatalysts,
layered
double
hydroxides
(LDHs),
known
hydrotalcite-like
materials,
have
explored
extensively
photocatalytic
reactions
due
to
their
switchable
properties
and
large
surface
areas
unique
two-dimensional
structures.
In
this
article,
recent
advances
degradation
LDH-based
photocatalysts
are
reviewed.
Firstly,
fundamental
principles
materials
briefly
introduced.
Various
LDHs
applied
broadly
summarized
into
four
types:
pure-phase
LDHs,
interlayer-modified
composites,
oxides
(LDOs).
Moreover,
synthesis
process
catalytic
mechanism
also
An
outlook
on
problems
future
development
remediation
provided
at
end.
The Science of The Total Environment,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
957, P. 177360 - 177360
Published: Nov. 16, 2024
Wastewater
treatment
plants
(WWTP)
are
recognized
as
major
sources
of
microplastic
(MP)
particles
in
terrestrial
environments,
particularly
agricultural
soils
through
biosolids
application.
While
many
reviews
have
focused
on
the
distribution,
detection,
and
mitigation
MPs
wastewater
effluent
to
limit
their
discharge
into
oceans,
our
understanding
methods
mitigate
biosolid
contamination
remains
limited.
This
review
focuses
for
mitigating
at
various
intervention
points,
including
sources,
WWTP
primary
secondary
stages
where
sludge
is
generated,
post-contamination.
These
categorized
physical,
physicochemical,
biological
approaches,
advantages
limitations
discussed.
For
instance,
physicochemical
methods,
especially
froth
flotation,
cost-effective
but
hindered
by
contaminants
reagents.
Physical
like
microfibre
filtration
devices
(MFD)
safe
efficiency
depends
filter
pore
size
design.
Biological
microbial
degradation,
limited
varying
efficiencies
microorganisms
breaking
down
extended
time
required
effective
degradation.
Other
physical
dissolved
air
ultrasonication
already
exist
WWTPs
may
require
retrofitting
or
optimization
enhance
MP
removal
from
biosolids.
As
each
method
inherently
has
limitations,
key
achieving
MP-free
biosolids,
thus
preventing
release
soil,
lies
integrating
these
multi-coupling
strategies.
Separations,
Journal Year:
2025,
Volume and Issue:
12(4), P. 82 - 82
Published: March 30, 2025
Since
the
mid-20th
century,
quantity
of
microplastics
(MPs)
has
increased
significantly,
becoming
a
persistent
environmental
pollutant
widely
distributed
in
global
water
bodies,
soils,
and
atmosphere.
While
plastic
materials
have
brought
significant
convenience
to
daily
life,
MPs
resulting
from
their
degradation
pose
increasing
threats
ecosystems
human
health.
This
comprehensive
review
examines
sources,
migration
pathways,
ecological
impacts
MPs,
critically
evaluates
current
separation
techniques
physical,
chemical,
biological
perspectives.
In
particular,
numerical
simulations
hydrocyclone
technique
reveal
its
unique
flow
characteristics,
including
turbulent
velocity
gradients
axial
pressure
differences,
with
efficiency
up
93%.
offers
advantages
such
as
high
efficiency,
low
energy
consumption,
friendliness.
response
growing
microplastic
pollution
issue,
this
emphasizes
that
development
future
should
prioritize
sustainability,
compatibility.
Continued
research
field
will
provide
theoretical
support
for
optimizing
control
technologies
contribute
achieving
protection
sustainable
goals.
