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The role of chemical aging of microplastics- impact on elimination of polyethylene microplastics by coagulation
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1  Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Architecture, Department of Environmental and Chemistry Engineering, Rzeszow University of Technology, 6 Powstańców Warszawy Avenue, 35-959, Rzeszow, Poland
Academic Editor: Nikiforos Samarinas

Abstract:

Microplastic pollution has emerged as a potential threat to the environment. Exposure to microplastics presents a major emerging threat to the ecosystems due to their potential adverse effects. Microplastics (MPs) are persistent environmental contaminants that readily enter and accumulate within food chain due to their refractory nature and resistance to biodegradation. Their small size, ranging from the micrometer to nanometer scale, renders them virtually impossible to eliminate once released into natural ecosystems. These characteristics contribute to their classification as emerging pollutants of global concern. Coagulation technology has been extensively employed for the treatment of microplastics in water; however, all research concerns virgin (unaged) microplastics. In response to these challenges, this study has been concerned on impact of chemical aging on microplastics properties and coagulation efficiency. Polyethylene (PE) microplastics, which are particularly difficult to settle in water, were selected as representative pollutants to investigate the conventional coagulation performance. Microplastics was incubated in 0.1 M HCl, 0.1 M NaOH, CH3OH, 30% H2O2, 0.1M KMNO4 and 0.1M Na2S2O8 solutions at 5; 25 and 60°C for 7; 14 and 28 days. The removal efficiency of pristine microplastics was 27%, while the range obtained for aged PE was from 15.98 to 79.02%. The highest increase in efficiency was observed after incubation of PE in KMnO4, while a decrease in coagulation efficiency was observed in the case of using methanol and hydrogen peroxide. The temperature and time of incubation significantly influenced the obtained results.

Keywords: microplastics; polyethylene; aging; chemical incubation; removal efficiency; coagulation;
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