We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Fate and occurrence of microplastic and nanoplastic pollution in industrial wastewater
Summary
This review covers the sources, distribution, and health risks of micro- and nanoplastics in industrial wastewater, emphasizing that these particles are nonbiodegradable, persist in the environment, and can carry other contaminants into marine and freshwater ecosystems. The authors argue that industrial wastewater deserves more regulatory attention as a significant and growing entry point for plastic pollution into environments where it can ultimately reach humans.
The presence of plastic waste at micro- and nanolevels in the environment has become a burning global issue in recent times. Various researchers have therefore positioned environmental pollution by microplastic (MP) and nanoplastic (NP) as a serious pollution threat. Industrial wastewater has been identified as a major source of these contaminants, while global plastic production has also been reported to have skyrocketed. The presence of these contaminants in marine and freshwater ecosystem has been well documented. Hence, MP and NP have been labelled as emerging contaminants that are capable of posing significant threat to human health, global economy, and general aesthetics. Plastic pollutants are nonbiodegradable and hence are capable of remaining in the environment for a long period. This review examines thoroughly the occurrence, sources, environmental distribution, and the fate of MP and NP in the environment. The paper also highlights the impact of these contaminants on the aquatic ecosystem and human life. Finally, an attempt is also made at exploring the strategies for their removal and degradation.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Fate and occurrence of microplastic and nanoplastic pollution in industrial wastewater
This review examines how microplastics and nanoplastics originating from industrial wastewater enter aquatic ecosystems and accumulate in organisms, noting that these particles also carry heavy metals and organic contaminants that compound their toxicity. The paper highlights the need for better monitoring and treatment of industrial effluents as a major, often overlooked pathway for plastic pollution reaching humans through the food chain.
Micro- and Nanoplastic Pollution of Freshwater and Wastewater Treatment Systems
This review examined micro- and nanoplastic pollution in freshwater systems and wastewater treatment, summarizing sources, removal efficiency, and the fate of particles that pass through treatment processes into receiving waters.
Micro (nano) plastics in wastewater: A critical review on toxicity risk assessment, behaviour, environmental impact and challenges
Researchers reviewed the sources, detection methods, toxicity, environmental fate, and wastewater treatment options for micro- and nanoplastics, finding that nanoplastics are especially persistent and toxic due to their large surface area and ability to carry co-pollutants, and identifying key research gaps in quantification, degradation mechanisms, and sensor development.
Micro- and Nano-Plastics Contaminants in the Environment: Sources, Fate, Toxicity, Detection, Remediation, and Sustainable Perspectives
This review provides a broad overview of micro- and nanoplastic pollution, covering where these particles come from, how they spread through the environment, and the damage they cause to living things including humans. The authors also compare different methods for removing microplastics from the environment, including physical, chemical, and biological approaches. The paper calls for more research and global cooperation to develop better tools for measuring the health risks of plastic pollution.
Fate and Removal of Microplastics from Industrial Wastewaters
This review examines how industrial wastewater treatment plants handle microplastic contamination worldwide. Researchers found that treatment effectiveness varies widely depending on the industry and the technologies used. The paper highlights that industrial sources are a significant but often overlooked contributor to microplastic pollution in waterways.