Surface chemical transformation of PET-based microplastics by kaolin exposure under simulated aquatic conditions

Abstract

Environmental context Plastic waste in water is not inert and it can change over time. This study shows that when certain plastics encounter natural clay minerals like kaolin, their surfaces can be altered. These changes may affect how plastics behave in the environment, including how they interact with chemicals and tiny living organisms. Understanding these changes helps us better predict where plastics go, what they carry, and how they might affect water quality and ecosystems.