Elimination of Microplastics from Marine Environments

Microplastics have emerged as ubiquitous contaminants in marine ecosystems, endangering aquatic habitats, marine biodiversity, and eventually human health via the food chain. This chapter examines thorough strategies for the eradication of microplastics from marine ecosystems, emphasizing a multi-faceted approach that incorporates physical, chemical, and biological techniques. Each approach presents distinct methods and capabilities for capturing, degrading, or eliminating microplastics from saline environments. Physical techniques, including filtration with membranes, sponges, biochar, and magnetic adsorbents, have demonstrated effectiveness in capturing microplastics of diverse sizes and configurations. Advanced techniques such as froth flotation and sedimentation are examined for their efficacy in isolating microplastics from aqueous columns and sediments. The chemical removal methods examined include coagulation, electrocoagulation, and ozonation, which depend on the aggregation or oxidation of microplastics into manageable forms for simplified removal. These techniques can improve treatment effectiveness when integrated with physical separation technologies. Biological techniques are emphasized as viable, environmentally sustainable alternatives for the long-term reduction of microplastics. This encompasses fungal and bacterial degradation, wherein microorganisms convert plastic polymers into simpler, non-toxic chemicals under optimum circumstances. The function of enzymes, including laccases, polyesterases, and cutinases, is analyzed for their ability to expedite the decomposition of synthetic polymers, providing a focused method for biodegradation. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of both developing and current methodologies, highlighting their respective advantages, limits, and possible synergies. Utilizing a multidisciplinary strategy that integrates technical innovation with biological understanding makes the sustainable cleanup of microplastics in marine habitats more feasible.