Scientists at the University of Bristol have found it possible to reuse a common plastic to decompose harmful dyes in wastewater.
The United Kingdom and Brazil Joint Research Group published an article on ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces that describes how synthetic dyes used in the global apparel industry are packaged and plasticized in tableware. The freezing and expansion method makes it an intelligent nanoparticle new material. Under solid conditions, it can be used to remove harmful synthetic dyes. These dyes are carcinogenic and chronic to humans and animals. Reproductive toxins.
The project was conducted by Julian Eastoe, professor of chemistry at Bristol University, and Professor Rodrigo J de Oliveira from Blazy Barabbar State University. Professor East commented:
'Recently, the BBC's 'Blue Planet II' series emphasized the importance of dealing with the size of plastic debris in the ocean (the so-called 'white pollution'), and the process of developing decomposition, recycling, or reuse of waste plastics is crucial. This study presents a very good way to convert large amounts of plastic white pollution into another resource and to treat environmental damage in other places in the form of water materials.
He said: 'At present, all kinds of toxic and dangerous substances (including synthetic dyes) that are continuously discharged into industrial wastewater are mainly due to the lack of effective treatment methods. Recent studies have shown that these pollutant dyes are in aquatic ecosystems. Causes serious damage: The development of methods to remove these compounds from industrial wastewater is becoming increasingly important.
'Our research focuses on the secondary use of plastic to create another new material, and then use this new material to treat the water pollution caused by the dye. This breakthrough will draw the interest of water companies around the world, the next stage Will study how to remove other contaminants. 'Contaminants (such as dyes) can be decomposed by the active oxidation process (AOP), which usually involves heterogeneous (solid) photocatalysts to convert contaminants into less hazardous end products, Such as water and carbon dioxide.
In this new study, waste plastics (polystyrene) can be reused from a porous solid that has been frozen in cyclohexane as a solvent (freezing point 6°C). Once the solvent is removed, it will leave an expanded solid plastic. Styrofoam is then coated with photocatalytic nanoparticles of this high specific surface area support material to form a solid photocatalyst such as Rhodamine B, which is then introduced into the contaminated wastewater sample to decompose the dye. This dye is used in food production. It is forbidden to use, but is widely used in sewage treatment plants to detect leaks.