Microplastics Controlling Approaches: Removal Reaction Pathways, Kinetics, and Toxicity Evaluation of the Products

The widespread existence of microplastics and their potential negative impacts on ecosystems and human health make them one of the most prevalent global environmental challenges today. Microplastics are either formed by the fragmentation of large plastics or are purposefully manufactured for specific applications. Several studies have revealed that microplastics pose severe risks to both marine life and humans among which the undesirable effects on the human food chain are serious and inevitable. To control the level of such pollution in the environment, systematic regulatory measures, public awareness, and advanced removal technologies should be simultaneously considered. After a short introduction to the basic global concerns, this chapter discusses the mechanism of formation and environmental distribution of microplastics alongside their potential threats to natural life. Additionally, it evaluates a variety of removal techniques for adsorbing and/or degrading microplastics in terms of kinetics, removal reaction pathways, and toxicity assessment of byproducts, while considering their physical, chemical, and biological properties. It also delves into recent advancements in this field, provides insights into the current state of knowledge, and points out areas that need more research.