Plastic debris in natural water can absorb persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and catalyze their transformation to other molecules. This study aims to determine how the surface area of plastic affects the rate of POP photolysis. Photolysis reactions of triclosan and methyl triclosan are being carried out in the presence of polyethylene particles ranging from 5 to 925 um in diameter and sheet plastic with a surface area of at least 10mm, which displays the highest degree of photolysis. The results will provide insight into plastic surface interactions and energy sharing with adsorbed molecules
