We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Nano/microplastics: Fragmentation, interaction with co-existing pollutants and their removal from wastewater using membrane processes
AI summary Read the abstract
This review explores how nano- and microplastics fragment from larger plastic debris and interact with other pollutants like heavy metals and pharmaceuticals in water environments. Researchers examined how these tiny particles can adsorb hazardous substances onto their surfaces, potentially increasing health risks for humans and aquatic organisms. The study also evaluates membrane-based filtration technologies as promising methods for removing these combined contaminants from wastewater.
NANO: and microplastic (NP/MP) is one of the most challenging types of micropollutants, coming from either direct release or degradation of plastic items into ecosystems. NP/MP can adsorb hazardous pollutants (such as heavy metals and pharmaceutical compounds) and pathogens onto their surface that are consumed by humans, animals, and aquatic living organisms. This paper presents the interaction of NP/MP with other pollutants in the water environment and mechanisms involved to enable the ultimate fate of NP/MP as well as the effectiveness of metal-organic frame (MOF)-based membrane over conventional membrane processes for NP/MP removal. It is found that conventional membranes could remove MPs when their size is usually more than 1000 nm, but they are ineffective in removing NPs. These NPs have potentially greater health impacts due to their greater surface area. MOF-based membrane could effectively remove both NP and MP due to its large porous structure, high adsorption capacity, and low density. This paper also discusses some challenges associated with MOF-based membranes for NP/MP removal. Finally, we conclude a specific MOF-based ultrafiltration membrane (ED-MIL-101 (Cr)) that can potentially remove both negative and positive charged NP/MP from wastewater by electrostatic attraction and repulsion force with efficient water permeability.
More Papers Like This
Understanding the fate of nano-plastics in wastewater treatment plants and their removal using membrane processes
AI summary Read the abstract
This review assessed what is known about the fate of nanoplastics in wastewater treatment plants, highlighting that conventional treatment processes are poorly suited to removing particles below 1 µm and that membrane-based processes show the most promise for nanoplastic removal.
Micro- and nanoplastics removal mechanisms in wastewater treatment plants: A review
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines how conventional wastewater treatment plants remove micro- and nanoplastics, and evaluates advanced technologies like membrane filtration and electrocoagulation that could improve removal rates. While existing treatment plants can capture most microplastics, they still release significant quantities into waterways through their enormous discharge volumes. The study highlights that biological treatment steps may also transform microplastics in potentially harmful ways that need further investigation.
Elimination of microplastics from the aquatic milieu: A dream to achieve
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers reviewed current methods for eliminating microplastics from aquatic environments, including membrane technologies such as ultrafiltration, nanofiltration, and microfiltration. The study assessed how microplastics interact with toxic organic chemicals, antibiotics, and heavy metals in water, compounding their environmental impact. The review suggests that while various removal technologies show promise, achieving complete elimination of microplastics from water remains a significant challenge.
Removal of nanoplastics in water treatment processes: A review
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines technologies for removing nanoplastics from water, noting that conventional treatment processes effective for larger plastics often fail to capture these tiny particles. Researchers evaluated emerging methods including microbial degradation, membrane filtration, and photocatalysis, finding that combined approaches offer the best removal rates. The study highlights that more research is needed to develop practical, large-scale solutions for nanoplastic contamination in drinking water and wastewater.
Nano/microplastics in water and wastewater treatment processes – Origin, impact and potential solutions
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examined the origin, fate, and impacts of nano- and microplastics in water and wastewater treatment processes, finding that small particle sizes and diverse polymer compositions make complete removal challenging across conventional and advanced treatment stages. The authors identify detection limitations and process instability as key barriers to effective water treatment for nanoplastics.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.