Oxidation and fragmentation of plastics in a changing environment; from UV-radiation to biological degradation
North Carolina State University · Loyola University New Orleans · +6 more institutions
Abstract
Understanding the fate of plastics in the environment is of critical importance for the quantitative assessment of the biological impacts of plastic waste. Specially, there is a need to analyze in more detail the reputed longevity of plastics in the context of plastic degradation through oxidation and fragmentation reactions. Photo-oxidation of plastic debris by solar UV radiation (UVR) makes material prone to subsequent fragmentation. The fragments generated following oxidation and subsequent exposure to mechanical stresses include secondary micro- or nanoparticles, an emerging class of pollutants. The paper discusses the UV-driven photo-oxidation process, identifying relevant knowledge gaps and…
Citation impact
- FWCI
- 16.17
- Percentile
- 100%
- References
- 112
Authors
8Topics & keywords
- Environmental science
- Fragmentation (computing)
- Ozone layer
- Environmental chemistry
- Plastic waste
- Microplastics
- Degradation (telecommunications)
- Ozone