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Microplastic Removal by Flotation: Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Research Trends
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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.
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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Removal of Micro/Nano-Plastics from Water by Flotation Technology: A Review
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This review covers flotation technology as a method for removing micro- and nanoplastics from water, explaining how dissolved air flotation, electroflotation, and froth flotation work to separate plastic particles. The authors assess performance data across particle sizes and polymer types and identify remaining challenges for scaling these approaches.
Is froth flotation a potential scheme for microplastics removal? Analysis on flotation kinetics and surface characteristics
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This study evaluated froth flotation as a method for removing microplastics from water, finding that surface hydrophobicity governs flotation efficiency and that the technique shows promise as a scalable treatment option for certain polymer types.
Efficient and sustainable microplastics analysis for environmental samples using flotation for sample pre-treatment
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Researchers developed a greener microplastic extraction method using a hydrophobicity-based flotation cell, offering a faster and less chemically intensive alternative to standard density-separation protocols for analyzing microplastics in soils and sediments.
Model analysis of electroflotation water treatment of wastewater containing microplastics
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This study developed a mathematical model describing how electroflotation can remove microplastics from wastewater, identifying key factors affecting efficiency. Better process models help optimize treatment systems for removing plastic particles before they enter waterways.
Research of vibroacoustic influence on flotation microplastic
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Researchers tested the effect of vibration on flotation-based removal of microplastic particles from water. They found that applying vibration to the flotation process improved microplastic separation efficiency compared to conventional pneumatic flotation. The study proposes vibration-assisted flotation as an improved water treatment technique for removing microplastics from wastewater.
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