Application of nanoparticles for the mineralization of microplastics accumulated in wastewater in the context of Mexico city

Abstract

Microplastics are anthropogenic pollutants that have acquired significant relevance in recent years due to their detection in the human body. This phenomenon is caused by the accumulation of these contaminants in the environment. Some of the health risks are immune responses such as chronic inflammation and oxidative stress, toxicity, and exposure to contaminants and pathogens.

The currently applied strategies for plastic waste management do not remove efficiently the totality of microplastics. So, novel methods from the nanotechnology perspective have been evaluated. A new approach involving nanoparticles is the mineralization of microplastics. This method involves the catalysis of oxidative degradation reactions that destabilize the polymer’s structure.

This research project evaluates the applicability of TiO2 nanoparticles for the mineralization of microplastics relevant to Mexico City (polyacrylonitrile, nylon 6, and poly (trimethyl terephthalate) by simulation of the monomer adsorption onto a (TiO2)10 nanocluster and the structural analysis of the modified geometries to identify possible bond cleavage sites and degradation products.

From the simulation results, a chemisorption between the three monomers and the nanoclusters was identified. Additionally, the interaction between the structures aided in the activation of cleavage sites for polymer degradation.