Evaluating the environmental factors on microplastic generation: an accelerated weathering study

Published

March 5, 2025

Author(s)

Sara Rostampour, Song-Syun Jhang, Jung Kai Hsu, Rachel Cook, Yuejin Li, chunlei fan, Li Piin Sung

Abstract

Microplastics pose a significant environmental threat, and understanding their sources and generation mechanisms is crucial for mitigation efforts. This study investigates the effects of ultraviolet intensity, temperature, and relative humidity on the degradation of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastics and the subsequent formation of microplastic particles. PET samples were exposed to UV radiation under various environmental conditions using the SPHERE (Simulated Photodegradation via High Energy Radiant Exposure) accelerated weathering device at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and laser confocal scanning microscopy (LSCM)/LSCM)/atomic force microscopy (AFM) were employed to characterize the chemical and morphological changes on the weathered surfaces. Our findings reveal that temperature and relative humidity significantly influence the rate of photodegradation and the characteristics of the generated microplastics. Higher temperatures and increased humidity accelerated the degradation process, leading to a higher abundance of microplastic particles. However, larger particles were observed at higher temperatures due to aggregation. These results underscore the importance of considering environmental factors when assessing the fate and transport of microplastics in the environment. Developing strategies to reduce plastic pollution and mitigate the generation of microplastics is essential for protecting ecosystems and human health.

Citation

Microplastics

Pub Type

Journals

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Keywords

Accelerate weathering, Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (LSCM), Degradation, SPHERE, Morphological Change, Microplastics (MPs), Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)

Citation

Rostampour, S. , Jhang, S. , Hsu, J. , Cook, R. , Li, Y. , Fan, C. and Sung, L. (2025), Evaluating the environmental factors on microplastic generation: an accelerated weathering study, Microplastics, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=959022 (Accessed April 30, 2025)