Impact of Chlorine or UV/H2O2 on Microplastics Under Conditions Representative of Drinking Water Treatment
Abstract
Observations of new bond formation on the surface of microplastic (MP) particles, as well as suggested fragmentation when exposed to chlorine, UV, and UV/H2O2 (at dosages and fluences not relevant to typical drinking water treatment) have previously been linked to an increase in cytotoxicity. This study examined changes to virgin low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) fragments (2-125 µm) following exposure to 6 mg/L free chlorine over a two-week period. Relative changes to hydroxyl, carbonyl, carbon-oxygen, and carbon-chlorine indices were determined using Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). In addition, changes were monitored following exposure to UV light (0 - 1000 mJ/cm2) alone, and in combination with 5 mg/L H2O2 to represent an advanced oxidation process (AOP). No evidence of MP fragmentation or significant changes to bond indices were observed following exposure to conditions representative of typical drinking water treatment.
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