Oxidation of Weathered Plastics in Sandy and Aquatic Conditions

Level of Education of Students Involved

Undergraduate

Faculty Sponsor

Julie Peller

College

College of Arts & Sciences (CAS)

Discipline(s)

Environmental Science, Chemistry

Presentation Type

Poster Presentation

Symposium Date

Spring 2026

Abstract

Microplastics are particles of plastic ranging from 1µm to 5mm and nanoplastics are particles smaller than 1 µm. Both micro and nanoplastics have been linked to negative health effects such as cancer, general inflammation and reproductive harm. It is essential for research to be done on the formation of microplastics due to fragmentation, as they permeate into everything including humans and animals. Exposure of plastics to sunlight, water, and other environmental factors causes plastics to weather over time making them become brittle and prone to fragmentation due to oxidation, thus creating even smaller harmful micro and nanoplastics. This research is focused on understanding the different environmental conditions affecting the weathering of real world plastics most commonly exposed to when beached. The plastics used in this experiment were collected from Marquette Park Beach in Miller, Indiana. The vast majority of the plastics were identified as polypropylene and polyethylene, which are light-weight plastics that can float in water and are carried by wind. The plastics were placed in either sand or water and exposed to a medium pressure UV lamp to simulate exposure to sunlight in natural environments. Infrared spectroscopy was used to identify each plastic piece and to determine the extent of oxidation of the plastic before and after each treatment. Research so far has revealed that plastics exposed to the sand and light experience oxidation, whereas plastic only in water did not show the same oxidation. Further research must be done to provide accuracy and reproducibility.

Biographical Information about Author(s)

Jaden Gibson is a Valparaiso University sophomore majoring in Chemistry and minoring in Forensic Science. She has done research over plastic fragmentation the previous semester. After graduation Jaden is planning on pursuing a career in Forensic Science.

Colin Hartnett is a senior at Valparaiso University studying Chemistry and Biology. He began his research under Dr. Peller this semester for an Environmental Chemistry course. After graduation Colin would like to work in a drug design lab.

Aimee Plachta is a senior at Valparaiso University and is studying Biology with minors in Chemistry, Wetlands Science, Humanities, and French. She began her research under Dr. Peller this semester for an Environmental Chemistry course. After graduation, Aimee plans to work in wetlands regulation and management.

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