The Possibility of Microplastic Removal by Earthworms and Comparing With Conventional Chemical Removal Methods (A Global and Deeply Systematic Review)

Plastic is indispensable in today’s everyday life, but it is one of the biggest problems humanity is facing in the twenty-first century. Global plastic production reached 4.9 billion tons in 2015 and by 2025, 11 billion tons of plastics are expected to end up in the environment. Microplastic particles (MPs) were originally defined as plastic particles smaller than 5 mm, originating from primary and secondary sources. Primary sources of MPs are polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polystyrene (PS) particles in cosmetic and medical products. Secondary sources of MPs come from physical, chemical, and biological processes that lead to the fragmentation of plastic waste. More studies have focused on the effects and risks of MPs, and less attention has been paid to removal methods. Plastic takes 100 years to completely decompose. Scientific studies have shown that some types of worms can absorb and decompose MPs in just a few weeks. Researchers believe that this discovery can be an important tool in the human war against plastics; Substances whose presence in nature has serious risks for humans and compensatory damages Inevitability affects the environment. This review summarizes current chemical removal technologies of MPs.Then most of the current literature on the potential of earthworms to reduce MPs was collected. The advantages and disadvantages of various methods are summarized, and they are also compared, which can help more researchers choose the appropriate research method. The results of this research can open new doors to the global fight against plastic pollution.