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Chemical methods to remove microplastics from wastewater: A review

Environmental Research 2024 55 citations

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This review examines three chemical approaches for removing microplastics from wastewater: coagulation (clumping particles together), electrocoagulation (using electrical current), and advanced oxidation (breaking plastics down chemically). Each method has strengths and weaknesses in terms of cost, effectiveness, and potential byproducts. The research is important because wastewater treatment plants are a major pathway through which microplastics reach rivers, lakes, and ultimately human drinking water sources.

Study Type Environmental

Microplastics (Mps) have emerged as a pervasive environmental concern, with their presence detected not only in freshwater ecosystems but also in drinking and bottled water sources. While extensive research has centered on understanding the origins, migration patterns, detection techniques, and ecotoxicological impacts of these contaminants, there remains a notable research gap about the strategies for Mps removal. This study reviews existing literature on chemical approaches for mitigating microplastic contamination within wastewater systems, focusing on coagulation precipitation, electrocoagulation, and advanced oxidation methods. Each approach is systematically explored, encompassing their respective mechanisms and operational dynamics. Furthermore, the comparative analysis of these three techniques elucidates their strengths and limitations in the context of MPs removal. By shedding light on the intricate mechanisms underlying these removal methods, this review contributes to the theoretical foundation of microplastic elimination from wastewater and identifies future research trajectories and potential challenges.

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