The sorption of specific polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) (naphthalene, phenanthrene, chrysene) by polyethylene resin pellets was examined with respect to degradation and salinity. Pellets were exposed to both freshwater and saltwater conditions containing known amounts of the PAHs in dark and light environments for seven days. Soxhlet extraction was performed and PAHs quantified by GC/MS. Samples exposed to light showed results with greater adsorption than that of the dark samples. Saltwater effects for dark samples showed diffusion into the polymer seems to be slower with high salinity vs. freshwater. Light exposed samples showed slightly greater adsorption for naphthalene in saltwater and phenanthrene adsorption slightly increased in freshwater.

Effects of salinity and photo-degradation on the adsorbance of PAHs by plastic resin pellets

247th National Meeting (2014)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.