Luo Hongwei, Li Zhen, Zeng Yifeng, He Dongqin, Sun Jianqiang, Zhang Anping, Pan Xiangliang
College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China; Shaoxing Research Institute, Zhejiang University of Technology, Shaoxing, 312085, China.
College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China.
J Environ Manage. 2025 Sep;391:126429. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.126429. Epub 2025 Jul 1.
In recent years, the pollution of microplastics (MPs) has attracted global attention because of their extensive distribution and significant impact on biota. Once MPs enter the ecosystem, the complex degradation process that MPs undergo will alter their surface properties and toxic effects. In order to address the global pollution issue caused by MPs, a range of technologies have been developed to degrade MPs. This study systematically summarizes the degradation methods of MPs reported recently, including physical, chemical and biological degradation processes. Dissolved organic matter (DOM), some reducing agents and sulfides are found to cause MPs aging and degradation. The roles of reactive oxygen species and biological enzymes in MPs degradation are elucidated. The chemical and biological degradation of various types of MPs are discussed and their degradation pathways are clarified. A number of factors affect the rates of MPs degradation in natural environment. Specifically, the influences of external factors and the intrinsic properties of MPs on their degradation are revealed. Furthermore, the potential environmental toxicity of MPs is investigated in greater depth, with particular attention paid to the release of plastic additives and DOM during the degradation process. This review article will assist in the comprehension of environmental degradation process and ecological risks of MPs and provide guidance for controlling the environmental pollution caused by MPs.
近年来，微塑料（MPs）污染因其广泛分布以及对生物群的重大影响而备受全球关注。一旦微塑料进入生态系统，其经历的复杂降解过程会改变其表面性质和毒性效应。为解决由微塑料导致的全球污染问题，人们已研发出一系列降解微塑料的技术。本研究系统总结了近期报道的微塑料降解方法，包括物理、化学和生物降解过程。发现溶解有机物（DOM）、一些还原剂和硫化物会导致微塑料老化和降解。阐明了活性氧和生物酶在微塑料降解中的作用。讨论了各类微塑料的化学和生物降解，并阐明了其降解途径。许多因素影响微塑料在自然环境中的降解速率。具体而言，揭示了外部因素和微塑料固有特性对其降解的影响。此外，对微塑料潜在的环境毒性进行了更深入研究，尤其关注降解过程中塑料添加剂和溶解有机物的释放。这篇综述文章将有助于理解微塑料的环境降解过程和生态风险，并为控制微塑料造成的环境污染提供指导。
