Processes Intricate Micro(nano)plastics (MNPs) Degradation and Associated Eco-Toxicological Implications
A special issue of Molecules (ISSN 1420-3049). This special issue belongs to the section "Green Chemistry".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 September 2022) | Viewed by 6068
Special Issue Editors
Interests: nanoplastics; microplastics; biomolecules; eco-corona; degradation; biochemical processes; toxicity
Interests: microplastics; plastisphere; microbes; enzymes; plastic polymers; physicochemical degradation; ecotoxicity
Interests: nanoplastics; microplastics; physicochemical degradation; ecotoxicity enzymes; plastic
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Microplastics (MPs) are plastic particles with a diameter of between >1 µm and 5 mm, whereas nanoplastics (NPs) are described as plastic particles with a diameter of between 1 nm and 100 nm, collectively known as micro(nano)plastics (MNPs). They are mainly categorized as primary and secondary MNPs based on their sources and origins. Primary MNPs are manufactured particles used in a variety of applications, including industrial pellets, cosmetics, and exfoliating scrubs, as well as those used as a precursor in the production of plastic products. Primary MNPs are unintentionally discharged into the environment from items containing manufactured micro/nano-sized plastic particles used in many consumer products and biomedical applications. Secondary MNPs are generated through natural and anthropological fragmentation or degradation of plastic litter and bulk plastics by several processes, including biodegradation, hydrolysis, mechanical abrasion, and photodegradation. In the environment, biological and physicochemical degradation of plastic waste can also release MNPs. Biological degradation involves the biochemical activities of microbes and enzymes that can depolymerize hydrolysable polymers such as polyurethane (PUR) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) through enzymes such as esterases, hydrolases, and cutinases, as well as non-hydrolysable polymers such as polystyrene (PS) and polyethylene (PE) through enzymes such as hydroxyquinone, peroxidase laccases, oxygenases, and alkane dehydrogenase. Physicochemical degradation of plastics primarily includes thermal oxidation (infrared radiation), thermal degradation (visible light), photodegradation (UV-A and UV-B light), hydrolysis, and mechanical abrasion. One of the main problems associated with the degradation process is that it not only decreases the size but also radically reduces the molecular weight of the polymers, making them more bioavailable for aquatic organisms.
This Special Issue of Molecules is dedicated to original research and review articles that cover the latest findings on (i) degradation of MNPs through biological, chemical, and physical processes in the environment, (ii) interaction of MNPs with biological components (microbes, biomolecules, and invertebrates) for degradation perspective, and (iii) mechanisms and processes involved in the degradation of various MNP polymers and associated ecotoxicological implications.
Prof. Dr. Jun Wang
Dr. Muhammad Junaid
Prof. Dr. Xiangrong Xu
Dr. Xuetao Guo
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- Nanoplastics
- Microplastics
- Degradation
- Biochemical Processes
- Microbes
- Enzymes
- Plastic Polymers
- Physicochemical Degradation
- Ecotoxicity
