Filtration Solutions for Microplastic Mitigation: Cutting-Edge Filtration Technologies and Membrane Innovations for Environmental Protection

Plastics are accumulating in the environment, and due to their extremely low biodegradability, this issue is expected to persist for centuries. Historically, oceans were used as dumping grounds for waste, leading to the accumulation of long-lasting materials that now cause severe pollution problems. Macro- and microplastic waste pose serious environmental, social, and economic threats, such as injuring or killing marine organisms and entering the food chain, resulting in potential health risks for humans. Microplastics have become one of the most critical global concerns, as they disrupt the balance of terrestrial and marine ecosystems. The growing presence of microplastics in the environment threatens biodiversity and endangers vulnerable marine species. Moreover, their ingestion by marine organisms can impact the entire food chain, affecting both wildlife and human health. Addressing this challenge requires the development of efficient and sustainable solutions for the control and mitigation of microplastics. This study focuses on the advancement of filtration processes and membrane technologies specifically designed to capture and remove microplastics based on their size, quantity, and origin. By evaluating the performance and suitability of various filtration methods, this research seeks to promote effective recovery, control, and final elimination of microplastics while increasing awareness of sustainable environmental management practices.