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Research progress on electrocoagulation treatment of microplastics in the water environment
Summary
Tiny plastic particles called microplastics are showing up everywhere in our water, and they don't break down naturally, raising concerns about long-term exposure through what we drink. This review rounds up existing research on a promising cleanup method called electrocoagulation, which uses electricity to make plastic particles clump together and settle out of water, making them easier to filter out. While the technology shows real promise for cleaning up drinking water sources, the researchers note there's still work to do on making it more cost-effective and practical for widespread use.
ABSTRACT Microplastics (MPs), characterized by their irreversible persistence and nonbiodegradability, pose significant threats to natural ecosystems and biological health. Among various MP remediation technologies, electrocoagulation (EC) is gaining increasing attention due to its capability for in situ coagulant generation and environmental compatibility. This review systematically examines the fundamental mechanisms of EC for MP removal and its current application status. Particular emphasis is placed on investigating the influential parameters, encompassing six critical aspects: electrode design, current density, initial pH, electrolyte concentration, power supply, and voltage strength. Additionally, this review introduces three parameter optimization tools, including technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution, artificial intelligence, and response surface methodology. Furthermore, we present a critical assessment of the advantages, limitations, and economic viability of EC, while identifying existing research challenges and proposing future development directions.