Magnetic polymeric composites: potential for separating and degrading micro/nano plastics

The pervasive presence of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) across various ecological settings, organisms, and products has underscored the urgent need to collect data on their abundance and identify the polymer types in diverse substrates. Nanoplastics distinguish themselves from microplastics by their smaller size. The application of magnetic composites in wastewater treatment has grown in popularity due to their remarkable flocculation capabilities and ferromagnetic properties. This comprehensive review centers on the synthesis methods, preparation technologies, and practical applications of magnetic polymeric composites for separating and degrading micro/nanoplastics. It offers an extensive overview of recent advancements in the separation and degradation of MPs/NPs within various wastewater sources. The review begins by consolidating efficient methods for the separation of microplastics/nanoparticles (MPs/NPs). This includes techniques such as adsorption, coagulation/flocculation, flotation, filtration, and magnetic separation. The subsequent section explores diverse approaches for the degradation of MPs/NPs, encompassing advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), electrochemical degradation, photocatalysis, and biological degradation. Additionally, the review offers in-depth insights into the synthesis and characterization of magnetic polymeric composites. Lastly, it discusses the current challenges and prospects associated with the separation and degradation of MPs/NPs in wastewater treatment.