Investigating Approaches and Technologies for Microplastics in Wastewater Management

Microplastics (MPs) pollution, which results from the physicochemical breakdown of plastics, is a global problem with potentially dangerous long-term consequences on the environment. Microplastics enter wastewater through varied sources, including domestic activities, industrial discharges, and stormwater runoff. Common sources of microplastics include plastic packaging, textiles, personal care products, and urban waste. For the development of successful reductive measures, identifying the mechanism and associated components of plastic particles in effluent is crucial. Over the years, several efficient technical advancements have been created to eliminate hazardous MPs. A thorough approach is needed to address the problem of microplastics in wastewater. This chapter includes the processes associated such as sources, treatments and discharge as well as the main factors associated with MPs in wastewater such as waste water composition, particle size distribution, treatment technology, and environmental fate. The presence of microplastics in wastewater has raised concerns due to their potential adverse effects on aquatic ecosystems and human health.