eCommons

 

Exploring the Role of Catalysts, Dyes and Irradiation on the Generation of Reactive Oxygen Species for Effective Microplastic Degradation

Other Titles

Abstract

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been found to play a vital role in the environment. Initially, ROS were considered solely as damaging agents in living organisms. However, recent research has revealed that they play a positive role in supporting basic cellular processes which are crucial for the human immune system. In this study, we investigated the potential of utilizing ROS to break down plastic waste. Microplastics from tire waste are used as model systems. The effects of irradiation and catalysts were examined over a period of 60-days and 14-days separately using different strategies. Results showed a significant increase in ROS due to the collective use of suitable irradiation source, catalysts, and dyes, which can largely accelerate the break-down of microplastics. Additionally, ROS-induced generation of more oxidative functional groups was observed, further enhancing the surface potential of the plastic waste. This study provides new insights into the effects of catalysts, solvents, and dyes on ROS formation by high-intensity irradiation and offers a potential solution for addressing microplastic pollution existing in the water system today.

Journal / Series

Volume & Issue

Description

91 pages

Sponsorship

Date Issued

2023-08

Publisher

Keywords

Location

Effective Date

Expiration Date

Sector

Employer

Union

Union Local

NAICS

Number of Workers

Committee Chair

Gadikota, Greeshma

Committee Co-Chair

Committee Member

Helbling, Damian
Barstow, Buz

Degree Discipline

Civil and Environmental Engineering

Degree Name

M.S., Civil and Environmental Engineering

Degree Level

Master of Science

Related Version

Related DOI

Related To

Related Part

Based on Related Item

Has Other Format(s)

Part of Related Item

Related To

Related Publication(s)

Link(s) to Related Publication(s)

References

Link(s) to Reference(s)

Previously Published As

Government Document

ISBN

ISMN

ISSN

Other Identifiers

Rights

Rights URI

Types

dissertation or thesis

Accessibility Feature

Accessibility Hazard

Accessibility Summary

Link(s) to Catalog Record