Microplastics in landfill leachate: Sources, abundance, characteristics, remediation approaches and future perspective

There is a lack of information on the level of microplastic (MP) contamination in leachate, which contains high levels of pollutants and has considerable complexity to treat, originating from landfills. In this review, the sources, abundance, and characteristics (polymer type, size, shape) of MPs in landfill leachates were presented. Subsequently, the limited number of studies on MPs released into the environment from the environment from the leachate of uncontrolled landfills were summarised. In the next section, possible remediation approaches (physical treatment processes, chemical treatment processes, biological treatment processes, and constructed wetlands) for MPs in landfill leachate were discussed. Finally, research gaps and recommendations for future studies on MPs in landfill leachates were presented. As a result of the review, it was determined that there is an urgent need for a standardized MP analysis method. Furthermore, the necessity for an increased number of studies on the removal of MPs from landfill leachate with high efficiency and low cost was highlighted. It was emphasized that reducing the amount of plastic waste in landfills and reducing the amount of MP in landfill leachate can be achieved by taking and implementing urgent measures through public policies.