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From Plastic Pollution to Remediation Solutions: Micro/Nanofiber-Based Strategies for Microplastic and Nanoplastic Removal
Summary
Tiny plastic particles (microplastics and even smaller nanoplastics) are everywhere—in our water, food, and likely our bodies—and regular water treatment systems can't filter them out effectively. This review paper rounds up recent science on a promising fix: super-fine mesh-like materials (called micro/nanofibers) that can trap these plastic particles and, in some cases, help break them down into less harmful substances. While these filters aren't yet a fully solved, ready-to-use solution, this research points toward practical tools that could one day reduce our exposure to plastic pollution in drinking water.
The extensive use of plastics in everyday life has exerted a significant influence on the environment, with the release of micro- and nanoplastics posing even greater ecological threats. Plastic contamination, particularly in these smaller forms, has emerged as a pressing environmental concern due to its persistence, bioaccumulation, and potential hazards. Traditional treatment systems are generally ineffective at removing such micro- and nano-scale complex pollutants. Recently, micro- and nanofiber-based materials have emerged as promising candidates due to their large surface area, porous structure, and adjustable functionality, enabling efficient adsorption, filtration, and photocatalytic degradation. The term micro/nanofibers in this study encompasses both electrospun nanofibrous membranes and nanofiber-based functional layers or additives incorporated into pre-existing membrane structures for performance enhancement. The incorporation of photocatalysts enables these materials to promote photocatalytic oxidation, degrading plastics into smaller, less toxic compounds. This paper outlines recent progress in developing micro- and nanofiber systems for environmental remediation, highlighting their design approaches, removal mechanisms, and multifunctional capabilities. Ultimately, the discussion explores emerging directions, existing limitations, and future opportunities, highlighting how these advanced materials can contribute to sustainable and efficient pollution control strategies.