Effects of Gamma Irradiation on Polyethylene Terephthalate and Detection of Microplastic Particles Down to 1 µm.
Langmuir
; 40(21): 10916-10924, 2024 May 28.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38739538
ABSTRACT
In response to increasing concern about the impact of plastic degradation on the environment, this study investigates the degradation of virgin and recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) under γ-irradiation in aqueous solutions, with particular focus on the resulting formation of microplastic particles (MP). By exposing both virgin and recycled PET samples to different doses of γ-irradiation (10, 50, and 100 kGy), a comprehensive analysis using UV-vis spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS) and micro-Raman spectroscopy is presented. The results, highlighted by micro-Raman spectroscopy, show that γ-irradiation produces micrometer-sized plastic particles, with the recycled PET having a significantly higher MP content than its original counterpart. Careful examination reveals the presence of a stabilizer in samples of recycled PET juice bottles. This study not only contributes to our understanding of the effects of γ-irradiation on PET but also highlights the need for further research into the environmental impact of such processes. The insights gained shed light on the behavior of PET under γ-irradiation and the resulting impact on microplastic pollution and make an important contribution to our understanding of the broader environmental context.
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Langmuir
Assunto da revista:
QUIMICA
Ano de publicação:
2024
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Croácia