We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastics in Aquatic and Food Ecosystems: Remediation Coupled with Circular Economy Solutions to Create Resource from Waste
AI summary Read the abstract
This review covers the sources, distribution, and health implications of microplastics in water and food systems, along with current and emerging methods for removing them. Researchers highlight that microplastics enter human food chains through seafood, drinking water, and food packaging, and that existing removal technologies each have limitations. The study emphasizes the need for circular economy approaches that prevent plastic waste from entering ecosystems in the first place.
Microplastics (MPs) less than 5 mm in dimension are progressively becoming persistent in aquatic and food ecosystems and are a global concern. Microbeads (less than 1 mm) used in household cleaners, cosmetics, and apparel washing are the primary source, followed by secondary sources including broken-down plastic litter and waste. They are ingested by a range of aquatic animals, including zooplankton, crustaceans, and fish, and can enter human food chains in a variety of manners. Thus, microplastic pollution poses a detrimental effect on the overall ecological balance, including the aquatic ecosystem, food safety, and human health. Strategies such as microbial enzymes/biofilms and nanotechnology-based solutions to MPs biodegradation, the usage of substitute materials such as biodegradable plastics, and source reduction could be employed to mitigate microplastic pollution. In addition, the implementation of plastic waste into the circular economy, for example by applying the reduce, recycle, and reuse approach, could potentially serve as a sustainable solution to abate the adverse effects of plastics. Thus, plastic waste could contribute to a sustainable circular and climate-neutral economy as a result of its durability and recyclability. This review presents a comprehensive report on microplastic management and transformation strategies, reflecting bioremediation coupled with circular economy-based solutions to microplastic pollution. It also highlights future recommendations to stakeholders and for governmental policies for the reduction of plastic pollution by potentially utilizing plastic waste in a circular economy to generate wealth from waste. Overall, this article provides an exhaustive and essential overview of microplastic treatment procedures and their role in the circular economy, where plastic waste generated by aquatic and food-based ecosystems might possibly be managed and re-utilized.
More Papers Like This
Microplastics in Aquatic Environments: Sources, Ecotoxicity, Detection & Remediation
AI summary Read the abstract
This review provides a comprehensive overview of microplastic sources, ecotoxicity, detection methods, and remediation strategies in aquatic environments. Researchers found that microplastics act as carriers for toxic chemicals and pose threats to both marine and freshwater ecosystems as well as human health through drinking water exposure. The study highlights the need for improved detection technologies and effective remediation approaches to address this growing environmental challenge.
Microplastic contaminants in the aqueous environment, fate, toxicity consequences, and remediation strategies
AI summary Read the abstract
This review covers the sources, fate, and toxic effects of microplastic contaminants in aquatic environments, along with current remediation strategies for removing them. Researchers found that microplastics cause various health problems in aquatic organisms and can enter the human food chain through contaminated seafood and water. The study emphasizes the urgent need for improved waste management and novel cleanup technologies to address microplastic pollution in water systems.
Sources, Impacts and Remediation strategies for microplastics in the Aquatic Environment - A Review
AI summary Read the abstract
This review summarizes existing research on tiny plastic particles called microplastics in water environments, covering how they enter oceans and rivers, their effects on aquatic animals like fish and shellfish, and possible human health concerns from eating seafood. It also discusses methods for removing microplastics and highlights the need for better monitoring and policies.
Microplastics in Aquatic Ecosystems: Pathways, Impacts and Integrated Solutions for Environment and Human Health
AI summary Read the abstract
This review synthesizes current knowledge on microplastic contamination in freshwater and marine ecosystems, covering their sources, environmental behavior, and biological effects. Evidence indicates that microplastics enter waterways through wastewater, runoff, atmospheric deposition, and the breakdown of larger debris, and they accumulate across food webs through ingestion and trophic transfer. The study calls for integrated solutions combining reduced plastic use, advanced filtration, bioremediation, and stronger policy enforcement.
Removal of microplastics from wastewater: available techniques and way forward
AI summary Read the abstract
This review surveys available techniques for removing microplastics from wastewater within a circular economy framework, discussing innovative treatment technologies, integrated risk-based approaches, and regulatory and economic guidelines needed to advance water resource recovery facilities beyond conventional pollutant removal.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.