Detection and removal of microplastics in wastewater: evolution and impact

Abstract

The pervasiveness of microplastics in aquatic ecosystems has become a major environmental issue in recent years. The gradual dumping of plastic wastes, inadequate standard detection methods with specific removal techniques, and slow disposal rate of microplastics make it ubiquitous in the environment. Evidence shows that microplastics act as a potential vector by adsorbing different heavy metals, pathogens, and other chemical additives widely used in different raw plastic production. Microplastics are ingested by aquatic creatures such as fish and different crustaceans, and finally, people ingest them at the tertiary level of the food chain. This phenomenon is responsible for blocking the digestion tracts, disturbing the digestive behavior, finally decreasing the reproductive growth of entire living organisms. Because of these consequences, microplastics have become an increasing concern as a newly emerging potential threat, and therefore, the control of microplastics in aquatic media is required. This paper provides a critical analysis of existing and newly developed methods for detecting and separating microplastics from discharged wastewater, which are the ultimate challenges in the microplastic treatment systems. A critical study on the effect of microplastics on aquatic organisms and human health is also discussed. Thus, this analysis provides a complete understanding of entire strategies for detecting and removing microplastics and their associated issues to ensure a waste discharge standard to minimize the ultimate potential impact in aquatic environments.

Microplastic pollution in sediments in the urban section of the Qara Su River, Iran

“…Microplastics are on the rise as an emerging pollutant in aquatic ecosystems that have affected the environment for many years (Lam et al 2022). Rivers, seas, and oceans have been affected by microplastics environmental pollution and have been a source of environmental concern for decades (Dey et al 2021;Fan et al 2021a). Today, the use of plastics and plastic products is so widespread that the idea of life without them may not be understood.…”

“…Global plastic production has increased exponentially since the 1950s, and in recent years has raised global concerns about improper plastic disposal and the widespread distribution of plastic waste in the environment. For example, as packaging or building materials or clothing, and has become an important part of our waste (Dey et al 2021;Naji et al 2019). The production and development of thousands of new plastic products accelerated after World War II and transformed the new era in such a way that life without plastics is now unthinkable for humans (Schröder et al 2021b;Yogalakshmi and Singh 2020).…”

Microplastics in Wastewater by Washing Polyester Fabrics

“…Studies have shown that algae and brown algae tend to adsorb microplastics due to the presence of alginic acid in their walls. The functional carboxyl group is present in brown algae, and thanks to this group, the plastic can bind to the adsorbent [ 100 , 101 ].…”

Removal of Pharmaceuticals from Water by Adsorption and Advanced Oxidation Processes: State of the Art and Trends

“…Electrocoagulation is a treatment process in which cations are formed by metal electrodes in an electrical field [68,69]. It produces coagulants using metal electrodes that are more likely to encounter pharmaceutical products with several advantages, including sludge minimization, automatic treatment, and efficient and low operating costs [69,70]. The removal efficiency of the three most consumed pharmaceutical products such as carbamezapine (70%), diclofenac (90%), and amoxicillin (77%) was investigated by Ensano et al [71] for a density of 0.5 mA/cm 2 , an initial concentration of 10 mg/L, and a hydraulic retention time HRT of 38 h. Oxytetracycline, an antibiotic drug, was analyzed by Nariyan et al [72].…”