INSIGHTS INTO THE NATURAL DEGRADATION RATE OF PLASTICS IN THE SEAWATER ENVIRONMENT AND THEIR DEGRADATION BY-PRODUCTS (PHTHALATES AND BISPHENOL A)
2023
SARRA, DIMASSI | AlGhouti, Mohammad Ahmad Salim | Chachladakis, Ioannis
Most plastics end up in the oceans. Their chemical additives that leach out into the ocean can be detrimental to humans and animals. This study investigates the degradation-fragmentation of different plastic types for 140 days in extreme environments, using fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis along with weight loss and degradation rate calculations. Seawater samples used for the investigations were analysed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to examine three different phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA). Findings showed that microplastics degraded faster than macroplastics. The degradation behaviour of plastics varied depending on type and size. High-density polyethylene and polyethylene degraded faster under outdoor onshore conditions, while other types showed higher degradation under outdoor marine conditions. Dibutyl phthalate (DBP), Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), and BPA were detected in seawater samples. Wave abrasion promoted the leaching of DEHP and DBP, while temperature and light promoted the leaching of DEHP.
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