Photocatalytic degradation of polystyrene nanoplastics in water. A methodological study

The ability of a wide span characterization and analytical tools to provide reliable, quantitative data for monitoring the efficiency photocatalysis in mineralization calibrated polystyrene nanobeads was studied. Both slurry immobilized reaction modes were compared, nanoparticles different characteristic sizes used as model compounds developing suited methodological approach. We demonstrated that tests mode showed an unequivocal advantage over consequence should be preferred get rid restrictive presence nanoparticulate photocatalyst within samples analysed. At best, results revealed existence photocatalytic activity towards nanobeads, with no capacity reliable quantification. Direct imaging or indirect light-scattering giving direct access size nanoplastic particles cannot fully relevant data, substrate reported lose its nanobead morphology during attack, parts entirely, simultaneous release water macromolecules. Py-GC/MS allowed concentration followed time, but nanoparticles. TOC analysis remained most technique monitor quantify nanoplastics by photocatalysis. UV-Vis spectrophotometry fast, non-destructive alternative specific case polystyrene.