Cold Plasma-Induced Changes in Polyethylene Particles and Their Binding Affinity to Selected Pharmaceuticals

This study investigated the effects of cold plasma on polyethylene (PE) microplastics, focusing on surface transformations and particle behavior in deionized water and treated wastewater matrices. Plasma-enhanced sorption and desorption of three pharmaceutical compounds were quantified using HPLC. Morphological and structural changes were examined by SEM microscopy and fluorescence imaging with the Nile Red assay. Plasma treatment induced PE particle agglomeration and significantly reduced the binding strength of adsorbed contaminants