The Occurrence and Removal of Microplastics from Stormwater Using Green Infrastructure

Microplastics (MPs) are becoming an increasingly common pollutant in the aquatic environment, including stormwater. This is a serious problem, as stormwater is becoming an essential transport route for MPs from urban areas to surface waters. Rainwater flowing from roofs, roads, and other impermeable surfaces contains a variety of plastic particles originating from tire abrasion or waste disposal. This article presents an overview of current research on the occurrence of MPs in stormwater. The potential of selected green infrastructure solutions—particularly bioretention systems, constructed wetlands, and permeable pavements—for their reduction is assessed. Individual solutions present how the change in filter material, selection of vegetation, or the method of conducting the process (e.g., direction of stormwater flow in constructed wetlands) affects their effectiveness. The potential of green infrastructure is also compared with the traditional gray solution of sewage management in cities. This article emphasizes the importance of integrating such solutions in spatial planning as an effective tool to combat climate change and limit the spread of microplastics in the environment.