Can high molecular weight Pam be used for degradation?

This paper provides a short review of current applications of high molecular weight PAM, including the potential for PAM degradation by chemical, mechanical, thermal, photolytic, and biological processes.

How does Pam degradation occur in the bioenvironment?

The findings indicate that various degradation pathways of PAM may occur in the bioenvironment through mechanical, thermal, chemical, photocatalytic degradation, and/or biodegradation. Through a series of degradation processes, PAM initially transforms into oligomers and acrylamide (AM).

What is polyacrylamide (PAM)?

Polyacrylamide (PAM) possesses unique characteristics, including high water solubility, elevated viscosity and effective flocculation capabilities. These properties make it valuable in various sectors like agriculture, wastewater treatment, enhanced oil recovery, and mineral processing industries, contributing to a continually expanding market.

How does Pam degradation affect polymers?

The degradation of PAM can contribute to the breakdown of polymers through various pathways with different removal efficiency, further altering the characteristics of substances. For instance, a shorter chain length allows for reduced intermolecular forces, contributing to increased mobility.

Is polyacrylate recalcitrant to biodegradation?

Although the remaining polyacrylate is more recalcitrant to biodegradation than the amide group, there are reports on degradation of polyacrylate by aerobic fungal, aerobic and anaerobic bacteria (Nyyssölä and Ahlgren, 2019).

Does Pam biodegradation still exist?

Despite the low potential of PAM biodegradation, the process still exists in nature. Microbes typically break down the amide group and carbon backbone of PAM for use as a nitrogen and carbon source.