Abstract
Although numerous studies on microplastic aging have been conducted, information on the contribution of direct and indirect photoaging processes is still deficient. This study is designed to make progress in filling the gap. Specifically, the effects of H2O2 concentration and light source on the physicochemical properties of polystyrene (PS) microplastics before and after photoaging treatment were investigated. Also, the impact of H2O2 concentration on the direct and indirect photoaging process was analyzed by using a pseudo-first-order kinetic equation. The results show that UV/H2O2 system can significantly change the PS, and the fragmentation of PS proceeded with the initial-fast and then-slow trend. Direct photolysis dominated at the low H2O2 concentration range or in the early aging stage, while indirect photolysis gradually takes the leading role with the increase of H2O2 concentration or PS aging degree. This study provides valuable insights into the aging and separation of microplastics in natural aquatic environments.
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