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Article ? AI-assigned paper type based on the abstract. Classification may not be perfect — flag errors using the feedback button. Tier 2 ? Original research — experimental, observational, or case-control study. Direct primary evidence. Detection Methods Environmental Sources Human Health Effects Remediation Sign in to save

Review of Microplastic Distribution, Toxicity, Analysis Methods, and Removal Technologies

Water 2021 115 citations ? Citation count from OpenAlex, updated daily. May differ slightly from the publisher's own count.
Hanbai Park, Beomseok Park

Summary

This review provides a broad overview of microplastic pollution, covering where microplastics are found globally, their potential health effects on humans and ecosystems, current analytical detection methods, and available removal technologies. Researchers note that significant gaps remain in understanding the full scope of microplastic toxicity and that no single removal method is fully effective. The study calls for continued development of both monitoring techniques and treatment technologies to address this pervasive environmental contaminant.

Study Type Environmental

Microplastic contamination has become a problem, as plastic production has increased worldwide. Microplastics are plastics with particles of less than 5 mm and are absorbed through soil, water, atmosphere, and living organisms and finally affect human health. However, information on the distribution, toxicity, analytical methods, and removal techniques for microplastics is insufficient. For clear microplastic analytical methods and removal technologies, this article includes the following: (1) The distribution and contamination pathways of microplastics worldwide are reviewed. (2) The health effects and toxicity of microplastics were researched. (3) The sampling, pretreatment, and analytical methods of microplastics were all reviewed through various related articles. (4) The various removal techniques of microplastics were categorized by wastewater treatment process, physical treatment, chemical treatment, and biological treatment. This paper will be of great help to microplastic analysis and removal techniques.

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