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Potential of Nanocellulose for Microplastic removal: Perspective and challenges
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Researchers reviewed how nanocellulose — tiny fibers derived from plant cell walls — can capture and remove microplastics from water through its large surface area and adaptable chemistry, positioning it as a promising, naturally biodegradable filter material. While early results are encouraging, further research is needed to optimize how nanocellulose works at scale in real drinking water and wastewater treatment systems.
The omnipresence of microplastic pollution in the environment has become a main challenge in recent years. One of the primary concerns is the ecotoxicological impact of microplastics on marine ecosystems, as well as the potential risk to humans related to the accumulation of microplastics in the body. Although it has not yet been scientifically proven, their presence in drinking water is a main concern. Studies have shown various strategies and new material development approaches for effectively removing microplastics. Recently, nanocellulose has emerged as a promising bionanomaterial for wastewater treatment. The purpose of this review is to introduce the potential of nanocellulose for microplastic removal. This study consists of three main points: the synthesis method of nanocellulose, the fundamentals of nanocellulose, and the use of these materials for capturing and removing microplastics. In addition, the potential of nanocellulose for antifouling has also been demonstrated. We also provide information regarding the source, fate, and transportation of microplastics in the environment and how to detect them to obtain a better understanding of how microplastics behave and ultimately end up in drinking water systems. Furthermore, we also discuss major challenges and future perspectives concerning the applications of nanocellulose-based materials in microplastic removal. Overall, nanocellulose is a versatile material and further research should be carried out to explore nanocellulose potential to meet the specific requirements for microplastic removal.
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Capturing the colloidal microplastics with plant-based nanocellulose networks
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Researchers found that nanocellulose—a material derived from plants—can efficiently capture colloidal microplastics and even nanoplastics from water, including particles too small for conventional filters. Plant-based nanocellulose networks could offer a sustainable, biodegradable solution for removing the smallest and most challenging microplastic fractions from water.
Capturing colloidal nano- and microplastics with plant-based nanocellulose networks
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Researchers developed a plant-based nanocellulose network that can capture even the smallest nanoplastic particles from water. The material works primarily through its moisture-absorbing properties, which are enhanced by the extremely high surface area of nanocellulose fibers. This technology could enable both better measurement of nanoplastic contamination in water and practical on-site collection of these hard-to-capture particles.
Nanocellulose-based packaging materials: Unlocking a sustainable path beyond microplastics
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Researchers review nanocellulose extracted from plant biomass as a sustainable packaging alternative to petroleum-based plastics, examining how its mechanical strength, tunable surface chemistry, and barrier properties can replace synthetic films and coatings while offering biodegradability and recyclability to reduce microplastic pollution from packaging waste.
Carbon–Cellulose Hybrid Materials for Microplastics Removal: Adsorption Mechanisms, Structure–Function Relationships, and Current Challenges
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This review rounds up recent science on a promising new tool for filtering tiny plastic bits out of wastewater: sponge-like materials made from cellulose (plant fiber) combined with carbon, which act like a magnet for microplastics too small for regular water treatment plants to catch. This matters because these tiny plastic particles are increasingly showing up in our water supply and can carry other harmful chemicals with them—but the researchers note this technology still needs more real-world testing before it can be widely used to clean up our water.
Tailored cellulose-based flocculants for microplastics removal: Mechanistic insights, pH influence, and efficiency optimization
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Researchers developed plant-derived (cellulose-based) flocculants that clump microplastics together so they can be more easily removed from water, finding that a low concentration of 0.001 g/mL was optimal and that both electrical charge and water-repelling interactions drive the process depending on the type of plastic.
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