Papers

Micro- and nanoplastics removal mechanisms in wastewater treatment plants: A review

This review examines how conventional wastewater treatment plants remove micro- and nanoplastics, and evaluates advanced technologies like membrane filtration and electrocoagulation that could improve removal rates. While existing treatment plants can capture most microplastics, they still release significant quantities into waterways through their enormous discharge volumes. The study highlights that biological treatment steps may also transform microplastics in potentially harmful ways that need further investigation.

Identification and removal of micro- and nano-plastics: Efficient and cost-effective methods

This review covers current methods for detecting and removing micro- and nanoplastics from the environment, including techniques like FTIR spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry for identification. Researchers also evaluated treatment technologies, including membrane filtration systems, for removing plastic particles from water sources. The study highlights the need for efficient, cost-effective solutions as plastic pollution continues to spread through water, soil, and living organisms.

Enzyme-microplastic interaction induces oxidative stress in earthworm: molecular docking and toxicity study

Researchers exposed earthworms to polypropylene microplastics at varying concentrations and found significant negative effects on body weight, reproduction, and antioxidant enzyme activity at higher doses. Molecular modeling revealed that the microplastics bind near the active site of a key antioxidant enzyme, potentially disrupting its function. The study suggests that microplastic contamination in soil can cause oxidative stress in earthworms, with effects worsening over time and at higher concentrations.

Electrochemical remediation of microplastics: Progress and prospects in water treatment

This review examines electrochemical methods for removing microplastics from water, including electrocoagulation, electro-oxidation, and the electro-Fenton process. Evidence indicates that electro-oxidation can achieve removal rates as high as 99 percent under optimized conditions. The study highlights these techniques as promising alternatives for water treatment but calls for further research to scale them up for real-world applications.

Microplastics in the environment: Occurrence, perils, and eradication

This review provides a comprehensive overview of microplastic pollution in various environmental compartments including water, soil, and air. Researchers summarize the sources, transport mechanisms, and potential harmful effects of microplastics on ecosystems and human health. The study also evaluates current eradication and remediation strategies, noting that while several promising approaches exist, no single method can fully address the scale of global microplastic contamination.

Various Perspectives on Occurrence, Sources, Measurement Techniques, Transport, and Insights Into Future Scope for Research of Atmospheric Microplastics

This review synthesized current knowledge on atmospheric microplastics, covering their sources, occurrence across global regions, measurement techniques, and transport mechanisms, while identifying key research gaps for future investigation.

A Review on the Effect of Synthetic Fibres, Including Macro Fibres, on the Thermal Behaviour of Fibre-Reinforced Concrete

This review examined how synthetic fibers — including both fine and macro-sized fibers — affect the thermal and mechanical properties of concrete and cement composites. Fiber addition generally improved tensile strength and crack resistance but effects varied significantly by fiber type and dosage.

Impact of treatment chemicals on the morphology and molecular structure of microfibers and microplastic films in wastewater

Researchers exposed microfibers and microplastic films to common wastewater treatment chemicals (sodium hypochlorite, hydrogen peroxide, calcium hydroxide) and found that these treatments cause significant morphological and molecular structural changes to plastic particles.

Editorial: Environmental remediation strategies of new and emerging chemical contaminants

This editorial introduces a special issue on remediation strategies for emerging chemical contaminants, including microplastics, antibiotics, and specialty chemicals. These persistent pollutants accumulate in soil and water and require advanced clean-up approaches as their environmental presence grows.

Anodic electro-catalytic treatment of polystyrene microplastics in water: Pathway elucidation and oxidative performance

Microplastics and Nanoplastics in Aquatic Environment

This review examines the origins, transport pathways, and toxic impacts of microplastics and nanoplastics in aquatic environments, tracing debris from diverse land-based and marine sources. Researchers found that plastic fragmentation produces ubiquitous micro- and nano-scale particles throughout ocean systems, with documented toxicity to marine organisms and potential risks to human consumers of seafood.

Recent advancements in microplastics treatments: Characteristics, occurrence, and removal technologies

Removal of Microplastics by Advanced Nanomaterials