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Sunlight exposure degrades polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles, releasing microplastics into drinking water. Higher amorphous content in PET accelerates this breakdown, confirmed by chemical analysis of microparticles.

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Area of Science:

  • Environmental Science
  • Polymer Chemistry
  • Analytical Chemistry

Background:

  • Plastic pollution, particularly microplastics, is a pervasive environmental issue.
  • Microplastics have been detected in various water sources, including drinking water.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate photochemical degradation of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles as a source of microplastics in bottled water.
  • To quantify microplastic formation under simulated solar exposure and identify degradation products.

Main Methods:

  • Exposure of PET bottles with varying wall thicknesses to sunlight for ten weeks.
  • Measurement of solar flux and calculation of photon dose.
  • Detection and quantification of microparticles using flow immersion microscopy.
  • Chemical analysis of PET degradation using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and high-resolution mass spectrometry.

Main Results:

  • Microparticle buildup reached 14-20 μg L⁻¹ within 30 days, followed by a plateau.
  • Spectroscopic analysis confirmed chemical degradation of PET, including bond scission and decarboxylation.
  • Microparticle analysis identified terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol, confirming origin from PET.

Conclusions:

  • Photochemical degradation of PET bottles releases microplastics into bottled water.
  • PET with higher amorphous content exhibits accelerated degradation and microplastic release.
  • The study confirms PET as the source of detected microparticles in bottled water.