Removing micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) from water via novel composite adsorbents: A review

This review critically examines recent advances in the development of novel composite adsorbents specifically carbon-based, magnetic-based, and metal-organic-framework-based materials (MOFs), for the efficient removal of Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) from water. While these composites demonstrate superior adsorption performance compared to traditional adsorbents (e.g., chitosan, carbon nanotube, biochar, and granular activated carbon), challenges such as scalability, synthesis complexity, and environmental safety remain. Carbon-based composites offer high surface area, diverse functional groups, and enhanced adsorption capacity but face challenges with recovery. Magnetic composites facilitate easy separation and reuse but are hindered by synthesis complexity. MOFs provide tunable porosity and selectivity, yet their stability and cost require improvement. Thus, future research should prioritize the development of composite adsorbents that are stable, sustainable, and scalable for practical water treatment applications. Integrating experimental data with computational modeling to optimize adsorption processes, and tailoring surface functionalities for specific MNP types will further boost removal efficiency and selectivity. This strategic focus aims to advance water treatment technologies capable of efficiently and safely mitigating the growing challenge of MNP pollution across various aquatic environments. • Sources and pathways of MNPs in aquatic environments are summarized. • Key adsorption mechanisms involved in MNP removal in water is highlighted. • The advancement of carbon-, magnetic-, and MOF-based composite adsorbents for the removal of MNPs in water are reviewed. • Challenges, limitations, and future prospects of composite adsorbents are discussed.