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Microplastic Removal by Flotation: Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Research Trends

Water 2025 2 citations ? Citation count from OpenAlex, updated daily. May differ slightly from the publisher's own count. Score: 68 ? 0–100 AI score estimating relevance to the microplastics field. Papers below 30 are filtered from public browse.

Theerayut Phengsaart, Theerayut Phengsaart, Palot Srichonphaisarn, Palot Srichonphaisarn, Palot Srichonphaisarn, Anh Tuan Ta, Anh Tuan Ta, Theerayut Phengsaart, Theerayut Phengsaart, Anh Tuan Ta, Anh Tuan Ta, Anh Tuan Ta, Anh Tuan Ta, Anh Tuan Ta, Anh Tuan Ta, Palot Srichonphaisarn, Anh Tuan Ta, Anh Tuan Ta, Anh Tuan Ta, Anh Tuan Ta, Anh Tuan Ta, Onchanok Juntarasakul, Palot Srichonphaisarn, Palot Srichonphaisarn, Palot Srichonphaisarn, Palot Srichonphaisarn, Palot Srichonphaisarn, Palot Srichonphaisarn, Theerayut Phengsaart, Anh Tuan Ta, Anh Tuan Ta, Palot Srichonphaisarn, Palot Srichonphaisarn, Palot Srichonphaisarn, Palot Srichonphaisarn, Mylah Villacorte-Tabelin Palot Srichonphaisarn, Theerayut Phengsaart, Anh Tuan Ta, Dao Janjaroen, Dao Janjaroen, Carlito Baltazar Tabelin, Palot Srichonphaisarn, Onchanok Juntarasakul, Palot Srichonphaisarn, Palot Srichonphaisarn, Palot Srichonphaisarn, Theerayut Phengsaart, Carlito Baltazar Tabelin, Anh Tuan Ta, Marthias Silwamba, Carlito Baltazar Tabelin, Palot Srichonphaisarn, Onchanok Juntarasakul, Dao Janjaroen, Palot Srichonphaisarn, Theerayut Phengsaart, Theerayut Phengsaart, Dao Janjaroen, Dao Janjaroen, Onchanok Juntarasakul, Onchanok Juntarasakul, Palot Srichonphaisarn, Dao Janjaroen, Theerayut Phengsaart, Carlito Baltazar Tabelin, Onchanok Juntarasakul, Carlito Baltazar Tabelin, Theerayut Phengsaart, Carlito Baltazar Tabelin, Mylah Villacorte-Tabelin Mylah Villacorte-Tabelin Dennis Alonzo, Anh Tuan Ta, Onchanok Juntarasakul, Theerayut Phengsaart, Carlito Baltazar Tabelin, Onchanok Juntarasakul, Carlito Baltazar Tabelin, Onchanok Juntarasakul, Carlito Baltazar Tabelin, Carlito Baltazar Tabelin, Theerayut Phengsaart, Theerayut Phengsaart, Onchanok Juntarasakul, Mylah Villacorte-Tabelin

Summary

This meta-analysis pooled data from 31 studies on using flotation — a technique borrowed from mining — to remove microplastics from water and soil. The method showed high removal rates across different conditions, and research in this area has grown rapidly since 2020. Better microplastic removal technologies are important because they could help reduce the amount of plastic particles reaching our drinking water and food supply.

Study Type Review

Microplastic (MP) pollution is a global concern due to its persistence, ubiquity, and potential ecological and health risks. Although various MP separation techniques exist, flotation has gained attention as a promising approach adapted from mineral processing. This study provides a systematic review, bibliometric analysis, and meta-analysis of MP removal using flotation, covering 31 papers published between 2015 and 2024. Research output has grown rapidly since 2020, with China (including Hong Kong) as the leading contributor with strong international collaborations. Bibliometric mapping highlighted hotspots such as polymer type, particle size, contact angle, and nanobubbles. Meta-analysis showed that flotation achieved high removal efficiencies across water and solid matrices, though performance varies with polymer properties, surfactants used, and experimental design. Studies focused on solid particles remain limited, reflecting greater methodological challenges than in water systems. Critical discussion emphasized the need for standardized protocols, scaling from laboratory to field applications, and integration with wastewater treatment. This review identified knowledge gaps and emerging trends that can inform the future development of flotation as an effective technology for mitigating MP pollution.

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