Review: Impact of microfluidic cell and particle separation techniques on microplastic removal strategies

This review highlights the growing concern regarding the proliferation of microplastics (MPs) in aquatic ecosystems and their potential impact on both the environment and human health. Despite current efforts, a considerable number of MPs remain untreated due to their small size. Conventional identification and treatment methods are summarized pointing to the current limitations. Emerging technologies in microfluidics and nanotechnology are presented as potential solutions for the removal of MPs from aquatic environments. These novel technologies, which are currently being used for the development of novel point of care (PoC) diagnostic devices, can take advantage of the size and density similarities between MPs and commonly separated particles in microfluidics applications such as cells, making them promising candidates for MPs separation and recovery in wastewater treatment plants. This review evaluates the limitations of current MPs separation and recovery technologies in water treatment plants and laboratories and compares them with the promising capabilities of microfluidics and nanotechnology, providing valuable insights into future strategies for combating MPs pollution.