Magnetic Field Induced Changes in Surface Tension in Pure Water and Polystyrene Micro-Nanoparticle Dispersions

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Research Paper

Authors

1 Graduated of the Institute for Urban Water Management, TU Dresden, 01062, Dresden, Germany

2 Graduated from the Institute of Structural Analysis, TU Dresden, 01187, Dresden, Germany

10.22059/poll.2025.388248.2731

Abstract

The escalating presence of microplastics (MPs) in the aquatic, terrestrial, and atmospheric ecosystems has raised significant environmental concerns, driving the urgent need for the development of effective separation techniques. This study examines the fundamental mechanisms of a novel method for separating microplastics using magnetic force and investigates its effects on dynamic surface tension. The surface tension behavior of degassed DI water and water containing polystyrene (PS) micro-nanoparticles (MNPs) was studied under the influence of a relatively weak magnetic field. The results confirmed notable changes in the dynamic surface tension of both systems. In degassed water, the presence of a magnetic field induced fluctuations and increased surface tension. Conversely, in the PS-water system, the magnetic field led to a significant reduction in surface tension at the air interface. Further experiments using a magnetometer to analyze PS particles in the degassed DI water provided insights into the behavior of PS particles in aqueous environments. This study offers understanding of the fundamental mechanisms that govern dynamic surface tension and the interaction between PS-MNPs and magnetic forces. The findings have implications for understanding the fundamental physics of separation technologies, aimed at mitigating the environmental impact of microplastics.

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Main Subjects

Pollution

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 30 April 2025

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