Characterisation of nanoplastics during the degradation of polystyrene. (February 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lambert, Scott; Wagner, Martin
• Is Part Of: Chemosphere. Volume 145(2016)
• Page Start: 265
• Page End: 268
• Publication Date: 2016-02
• Subjects: Nanoplastics -- Microplastics -- Polystyrene -- Degradation -- Environment -- Nanoparticle tracking analysis; Pollution -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Physiological effect -- Periodicals; Environmental sciences -- Periodicals; Atmospheric chemistry -- Periodicals; 551.511
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2015.11.078
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0045-6535

Abstract

Abstract: The release of plastics into the environment has been identified as an important issue for some time. Recent publications have suggested that the degradation of plastic materials will result in the release of nano-sized plastic particles to the environment. Nanoparticle tracking analysis was applied to characterise the formation of nanoplastics during the degradation of a polystyrene (PS) disposable coffee cup lid. The results clearly show an increase in the formation of nanoplastics over time. After 56 days' exposure the concentration of nanoplastics in the PS sample was 1.26 × 10 8 particles/ml (average particles size 224 nm) compared to 0.41 × 10 8 particles/ml in the control. Graphical abstract: Highlights: Polystyrene degrades into nanoplastics. The formation of nanoplastic particles increase over time. Results suggest a continuous process of plastic surface erosion.