0
Article Tier 2 Remediation Sign in to save

Critical review of microplastics removal from the environment

Chemosphere 2022 256 citations

AI summary Read the abstract

This review evaluates technologies for removing microplastics from the environment, including physical methods like filtration, chemical treatments, and biological approaches using microorganisms. Each method has trade-offs between effectiveness, cost, and scalability, and no single technology can solve the problem alone. The authors emphasize that reducing human exposure to microplastics requires combining better removal technologies with policies that limit plastic production and waste at the source.

Globally, microplastics pollution has become a serious environmental threat due to their multitude sources, widespread occurrence, persistence, and adverse effects to ecosystem and the human health. Addressing this multifaceted threat requires innovative technologies that can efficiently remove microplastics from the environment. In this review, we first overviewed the source, occurrence, and potential adverse impacts of microplastics to human health. We then identified promising technologies for microplastics removal, including physical, chemical, and biological approaches. A detailed analysis of the advantages and limitations of different techniques was provided. We concluded this review with the current challenges and future research priorities, which will guide us through the path addressing microplastics contamination.

More Papers Like This

Article Tier 2

Chemical, physical, and biological techniques to remove microplastics

AI summary Read the abstract

This review covers the chemical, physical, and biological techniques available for removing microplastics from the environment, comparing their effectiveness and practical limitations. Researchers found that while each approach has strengths, no single method is sufficient for complete removal across different environmental settings. The study suggests that combining multiple techniques offers the most promising path toward effective microplastic remediation.

Article Tier 2

Microplastics Removal Strategies in Aquatic Environments

AI summary Read the abstract

This review examines and compares multiple strategies for removing microplastics from aquatic environments, including physical, physicochemical, and biological methods. Researchers found that each approach offers different trade-offs in removal efficiency and scalability, emphasizing the need for integrated treatment solutions given the global abundance of microplastics and their negative effects on aquatic ecosystems.

Article Tier 2

Removal of Microplastic Contaminants from Aquatic Environment

AI summary Read the abstract

This review examines technologies for removing microplastics from aquatic environments, covering physical, chemical, and biological treatment methods and their relative effectiveness. Identifying and improving removal strategies is urgent because microplastics are now found throughout drinking water sources, oceans, and freshwater systems, posing risks to wildlife and human health.

Article Tier 2

Current Research Trends for Treatment of Microplastics

AI summary Read the abstract

This review summarizes current research trends for treating microplastics in environmental systems, examining physical, chemical, and biological removal approaches. The authors discuss the effectiveness and limitations of different treatment technologies given the global scale of microplastic pollution.

Article Tier 2

Review and future outlook for the removal of microplastics by physical, biological and chemical methods in water bodies and wastewaters

AI summary Read the abstract

This review compares physical, biological, and chemical methods for removing microplastics from water and wastewater, including newer approaches like advanced membranes, bacterial degradation, and electrochemical treatment. Each method has trade-offs between removal efficiency, cost, and environmental impact, and no single technique currently solves the problem completely. The review emphasizes that developing effective microplastic removal technology is urgent for protecting both ecosystems and human drinking water supplies.

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.

Email me about

Share this paper