Laser-driven photo-oxidative degradation of microplastic pollutants in aquatic environments.
Plastics are widely used in our daily lives due to their affordability, lightweight, strength, and durability. Unfortunately, a significant amount of plastic waste is improperly disposed of, leading to its discharge into the natural environment. When subjected to physicochemical and biological processes, plastics can degrade into smaller particles, referred to as microplastics (MPs), with dimensions less than 5 mm. The abundance and small size of MPs make them easily ingested by organisms, hindering their biological growth and causing harmful toxic effects. Humans can also experience organ damage through ingestion of MPs via the food chain or other exposure pathways.
Consequently, MPs pollution has become a global concern. There is currently no specific treatment technologies employed globally for their total elimination, and research on MPs removal is still in its early stages. Urgent efforts are required to develop rapid, reliable, and efficient methods for MPs removal. In this project, we aim to develop a laser-driven photo-oxidative degradation method for MPs in aquatic environments, specifically targeting its application in wastewater treatment. By using UV laser radiation, with sufficient energy to break the chemical bonds in the polymer chain, we can initiate the mechanism responsible for polymer degradation.
Activity 1.1: Development of the new method for complete laser degradation of MP in water with potential application for advanced wastewater treatment.
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Smarandache, A.; Dinache, A.; Andrei, I.R.; Boni, M.; Urzica, I.; Staicu, A. “Laser-induced photodegradation of microplastics as promising approach for their removal from aquatic environments.” EMRS Spring 2025, Strasbourg, France.
Udrea, A.M.; Staicu, A.; Smarandache, A.; Balea, F.; Badea, M.A.; Andrei, I.R.; Bunea, A.C.; Borcan, T.; Balas, N. “UV Laser Irradiated Chlorpromazine in Breast Cancer Treatment.” EMRS Spring 2025, Strasbourg, France.
Boni, M.; Dinache, A.; Andrei, I.R.; Urzica, I.; Staicu, A.; Smarandache, A. “Addressing the microplastic pollution crisis: laser tech for monitoring and efficient removal.” FPPT-11, 2025, Dubrovnik, Croatia.
Smarandache, A.; Andrei, I.R.; Boni, M.; Dinache, A.; Tozar, T.; Urzica, I.; Udrea, A.M.; Ungureanu, I.; Staicu, A. “Droplet-Based Microfluidics for Microplastics Pollution Research.” Droplets 2025, Liège, Belgium.
Smarandache, A.; Dinache, A.; Andrei, I.R.; Boni, M.; Urzica, I.; Staicu, A. “Environmental Nanotechnology for Microplastic Removal: Insights into Laser-Induced Photodegradation.” IOCN 2025 (online).
Boni, M.; Udrea, A.M.; Dinache, A.; Tozar, T.; Badea, M.A.; Stanciu, G.; Neagu, L.; Drăghici, D.; Ungureanu, I.P.; Andrei, I.R.; Smarandache, A. et al. “High-Power Laser-Driven X-Ray Radiation for Enhanced Photodynamic Therapy.” FPPT-11, 2025, Dubrovnik, Croatia.
Balas, M.; Caragata, S.A.; Staicu, A.; Badea, M.A.; Andrei, I.R.; Smarandache, A.; Udrea, A. “Potential of laser-irradiated chlorpromazine for triple-negative breast cancer therapy.” 49th FEBS Congress, Istanbul, Turkey.
Caragata, S.A.M.; Udrea, A.M.; Staicu, A.; Badea, M.A.; Andrei, I.R.; Smarandache, A.; Balas, M. “Eficienta clorpromazinei iradiate cu laser in tratamentul cancerului de san triplu negativ.” Sesiunea de comunicari stiintifice, Facultatea de Biologie, Bucuresti, Romania.
Report pending.