Cold Plasma-Induced Changes in Polyethylene Particles and Their Binding Affinity to Selected Pharmaceuticals.

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Materials Science
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Microplastic and pharmaceutical pollution poses significant ecological and health risks.
• Polyethylene (PE) microplastics are prevalent environmental contaminants.
• Adsorption of pharmaceuticals onto microplastics can alter their environmental fate and bioavailability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of low-temperature cold plasma on polyethylene (PE) microplastic particles.
• To assess the efficacy of cold plasma in degrading pharmaceuticals adsorbed onto PE microplastic surfaces.
• To evaluate cold plasma as a potential treatment technology for contaminated water.

Main Methods:

• Polyethylene microplastic particles were prepared in distilled water and treated wastewater.
• Samples were exposed to low-temperature cold plasma for varying durations.
• Adsorbed pharmaceuticals (diclofenac, sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim) were quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
• Microplastic morphology was analyzed using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Main Results:

• Cold plasma treatment induced agglomeration of PE microplastic particles, dependent on exposure time.
• Pharmaceuticals adsorbed to PE surfaces ranged from 20-70% of the applied dose.
• Cold plasma achieved high removal rates for pharmaceuticals: diclofenac (>98%), sulfamethoxazole (99.99%), and trimethoprim (>98%).

Conclusions:

• Low-temperature cold plasma is effective in modifying PE microplastic morphology.
• Cold plasma demonstrates significant potential for removing adsorbed pharmaceutical contaminants from microplastics.
• This technology offers a promising approach for simultaneous remediation of microplastics and pharmaceutical residues in aquatic systems.