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Efficient Removal and Resource Utilization of Microplastics in Aquatic Environment by Biomass-derived Functional Carbon
Summary
Scientists are developing a special charcoal-like material made from plant waste that can soak up microplastics from water, potentially offering a cheaper, greener alternative to current cleanup methods. Since microplastics have been found in our food, water, and even our bodies, better tools to filter them out of water supplies could help reduce our overall exposure to these particles. That said, this technology is still in development—researchers note it's expensive to scale up and its real-world safety and effectiveness need more testing before it can be widely used.
This study focuses on the global environmental challenge of microplastic pollution in aquatic environments, using biomass-derived functionalized carbon as the core research material. It systematically explores the preparation and functionalization modification techniques, microplastic removal efficiency and mechanism, as well as the resource utilization pathways after adsorption. By analyzing the limitations of existing microplastics treatment technologies and exploring the material advantages of biomass functional carbon, people have identified key technical points for the preparation and modification of functional carbon. People have revealed the multi-mechanism synergistic effect of its adsorption of microplastics and explored resource utilization pathways such as soil improvement, catalyst carrier, and pyrolysis energy conversion after adsorption. Research has found that biomass-derived functional carbon exhibits significant advantages in the field of microplastics removal. However, it still faces challenges such as high costs for large-scale production, uncertain application effects in complex water bodies, and unclear environmental risks associated with resource utilization. This study provides novel materials and technical insights for the efficient and environmentally friendly management of microplastics pollution in aquatic environments. Further efforts are needed to advance material research and engineering applications, aiming to achieve technological industrialization.