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A comprehensive insight into the removal of micro- and nanoplastics using novel nanomaterials
Summary
Tiny plastic particles called microplastics and nanoplastics are showing up in our water supplies and can pose risks to human health, so scientists are searching for better ways to filter them out. This review paper rounds up existing research on cutting-edge materials, like specially engineered nanoparticles and filters, that can trap and remove these plastic particles more effectively than traditional water treatment methods. While these technologies are promising, they're still being refined, so widespread use in your local water treatment plant may take more time and research.
Water contamination from emerging pollutants, including microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPLs), escalates due to increased urbanization, industrial, and agricultural activities. Environmental and human health are at substantial risk due to the widespread presence of MPs/NPLs in aquatic environments. Novel approaches are essential for tackling pollution from MPs/NPLs in aquatic environments, as this is a significant global issue. The review focuses on removing MPs/NPLs by various methods, including coagulation, filtration, biodegradation, membrane bioreactors, ozonation, and nanomaterials-based technology. The application of various nanomaterials for removing MPs/NPLs from water bodies are specifically explored in this review, owing to their distinctive characteristics, including increased surface area, enhanced reactivity, tailored surface chemistry, superior removal efficiency, versatility, functionalizability, regeneration, and reusability. The role of various nanomaterials, including nanoadsorbents (metal-organic frameworks, iron oxide nanoparticles, layered double hydroxides, biochar, functionalized nanoparticles), nanocatalysts (graphene oxide, carbon nanotubes, zinc oxide, titanium dioxide), and nanomembranes, regarding their efficacy in the removal of MPs/NPLs are highlighted in the review. MPs/NPLs pollution sources, pathways, environmental fate, and toxicological impacts of MPs/NPLs on humans and other organisms are analyzed in his review. Ongoing research into the design and functionalization of these nanomaterials offers prospects for improving their effectiveness and sustainability in water treatment technologies, contributing to the development of advanced approaches to mitigating MP/NPL pollution. This technology, supported by a better understanding and development of nanomaterials and methods, could greatly help reduce the problems caused by MPs/NPLs while keeping the environment clean and healthy.