Introduction
Microplasticstiny plastic particles less than 5 mm in sizehave become one of the most persistent environmental pollutants threatening aquatic ecosystems worldwide. As plastic production continues to rise, their accumulation in rivers, oceans, and even food chains raises serious ecological and health concerns.
A recent review published in Annals of Advances in Chemistry explores ecofriendly strategies to eliminate microplastics from the environment using physical and chemical removal techniques. The study highlights how advanced filtration systems, membrane bioreactors, coagulation, and adsorption processes can efficiently reduce microplastic concentrations in wastewater. Visit https://www.advancechemjournal.com/ for more groundbreaking research in this field.)
Understanding the Growing Threat of Microplastics
Microplastics are divided into primary (manufactured for commercial use, like in cosmetics) and secondary types (formed from degradation of larger plastic waste). Due to their resilience and ability to transport pollutants, they persist in marine sediments, freshwater, and soil, posing risks to aquatic organisms and potentially to human health.
Researchers note that wastewater treatment facilities are one of the main pathways for microplastic discharge into the environment. Although many treatment plants capture larger plastics, fine microplastics often escape filtration systems, requiring advanced methods for removal and degradation.
Physical Techniques for Microplastic Removal
Membrane Bioreactors and Filtration Systems
Membrane bioreactors (MBRs) have emerged as one of the most promising technologies for microplastic removal. These systems combine biological degradation and membrane filtration, achieving over 99% removal efficiency. In contrast, conventional activated sludge systems show around 98% efficiency, making MBRs the preferred option for modern wastewater treatment.
Additional filtration techniques—such as sand filters, granular activated carbon filters, and disc filtersenhance the purification process by trapping fine particles that conventional systems miss.
According to the review, dynamic membranes formed on diatomite platforms can reduce water turbidity from 195 NTU to below 1 NTU in just 20 minutes, illustrating their efficiency and scalability.
Adsorption Using Algae
Natural sorbents such as microalgae and seaweeds have shown exceptional potential for microplastic removal through adsorption. The brown alga Fucus vesiculosus, for example, exhibited 94.5% adsorption efficiency, aided by alginate compounds that promote microplastic binding.
This bio-based technique not only removes pollutants but also represents a sustainable alternative to chemical-based methods, aligning with green chemistry principles promoted by environmental organizations like the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), which emphasizes the importance of nature-based solutions for pollution control.
Chemical Techniques for Microplastic Removal
Coagulation and Flocculation Methods
Chemical coagulation processes use iron (Fe³⁺) and aluminum (Al³⁺) salts combined with anionic polyacrylamides (PAM) to clump tiny plastic particles into larger, removable aggregates. Under optimal conditions, these methods achieved up to 61% efficiency for smaller microplastics and even higher when used alongside ultrafiltration or electrocoagulation.
Electrocoagulation and Advanced Oxidation
Electrocoagulation, which uses electric currents to generate coagulants directly from electrodes, achieved over 90% removal efficiency in several studies. It is energy-efficient, cost-effective, and minimizes sludge production, making it ideal for large-scale water treatment.
Recent studies also explored oxidation processes ( UV and Fenton reactions) to degrade plastics chemically. These techniques enhance the breakdown of polymer chains and convert them into less harmful byproducts.
Integration of External Environmental Insights
The World Health Organization (WHO) underscores the importance of monitoring microplastics in drinking water, noting that while health risks remain uncertain, preventive removal technologies are crucial to reduce long-term exposure. Such global health perspectives reinforce the importance of eco-friendly chemical and physical remediation approaches highlighted in this review.
Advancing Toward Sustainable Microplastic Solutions
The reviewed study emphasizes that while physical and chemical removal techniques have made significant progress, standardized detection methods and cost-effective scalability remain challenges. Researchers advocate for:
- Developing hybrid systems combining biological, physical, and chemical methods.
- Utilizing renewable energy-driven photocatalysis for degradation.
- Encouraging policy-level interventions to minimize plastic waste at the source.
For a detailed analysis, read the full study at https://doi.org/10.29328/journal.aac.1001038.
A comprehensive discussion of similar environmental innovations can be found on our main journal portal, https://www.advancechemjournal.com/.
Key Takeaways
- Membrane bioreactors achieve nearly complete microplastic removal (≈99%).
- Algae adsorption offers a sustainable, nature-based solution.
- Chemical coagulation and electrocoagulation enhance treatment efficiency with minimal energy use.
- Future directions include integrating photocatalysis and biodegradation to achieve zero microplastic discharge.
Call to Action
Explore more environmental innovations and research updates at https://www.advancechemjournal.com/ and join the conversation by sharing your thoughts in the comments below
Disclaimer: This content is generated using AI assistance and should be reviewed for accuracy and compliance before considering this article and its contents as a reference. Any mishaps or grievances raised due to the reusing of this material will not be handled by the author of this article.
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