We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Fate and transport of micro- and nanoplastics in graywater, fresh and marine water systems
Summary
This review chapter summarizes research on how micro- and nanoplastics move through graywater, freshwater, and marine water systems. The particles enter these systems from multiple sources — consumer products, wastewater, and plastic degradation — and are incompletely removed by conventional treatment. The review highlights the persistence and wide distribution of these particles as major challenges for water quality management.
Widespread usage of plastics and their disintegration resulted in increased micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) concentration in different environmental compartments. The toxicity, persistence, and bioaccumulation of these plastics are a major concern, since MNPs are not completely removed by conventional treatment methods. This chapter reviews the status of researches on sources, effects, and various facets of macro-, micro-, and nanoplastics and the fate of these pollutants in wastewater and water systems. The occurrence and transport, interactions of MNPs with pharmaceutical compounds, the role of MNPs on emergence of antibiotic resistance in municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), and their removal are elaborated. The partitioning and mass flow behavior of these compounds in subsurface water systems is discussed. The studies on occurrence, fate, and transport of MNP contaminants that develop antimicrobial resistance in fresh and marine water systems are discussed. The uptake of microcontaminants by the plants tends to transfer them up the food chain. The MNPs enter the sewage system that is specifically designed for treating municipal wastes. Hence, the removal of MNPs in the WWTP is compared with the advanced treatment processes. Finally, several possible practices and recommendations are highlighted to minimize the impact of MNPs on the environment.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Micro- and Nanoplastic Pollution of Freshwater and Wastewater Treatment Systems
This review examined micro- and nanoplastic pollution in freshwater systems and wastewater treatment, summarizing sources, removal efficiency, and the fate of particles that pass through treatment processes into receiving waters.
Micro- and nanoplastic pollution in urban influenced aquatic environments: Sources, pathways, and remediation strategies
This review examines the sources, transport pathways, and environmental fate of microplastics and nanoplastics in urban aquatic environments, finding that wastewater treatment plants remove only 40–95% of microplastics with much lower efficiency for nanoplastics, making them a persistent source of aquatic contamination.
Nano/microplastics in water and wastewater treatment processes – Origin, impact and potential solutions
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.
Pollution to Solution: Understanding and Addressing Microplastic Contamination in the Environment
This review synthesizes current knowledge on how microplastics and nanoplastics are distributed across freshwater and marine environments, how they interact with and are taken up by aquatic organisms, and what removal technologies show the most promise. It covers the full lifecycle from macroplastic fragmentation to nano-scale particles, and surveys physical, chemical, and biological treatment methods. The review provides a useful overview for researchers and environmental managers looking to understand the scope of the microplastic problem and identify where interventions are most needed.
Occurrence, Fate, and Treatment of Micro/Nano Plastics in Drinking Water Sources
This review examines the occurrence, fate, and treatment of micro- and nanoplastics in drinking water sources, covering how these particles enter water supplies and what treatment technologies exist to remove them. The authors note significant gaps in both detection methods and removal efficiency.