Advanced and Emerging Technologies for Microplastic Remediation
摘要
Due to their extensive distribution within the environment, microplastics (MPs) represent one of the most urgent issues of the day that affect food production and human well-being. Standard practices of elimination of MPs tend to be inefficient, as these contaminants present challenges on account of their nano-scale, chemical durability and diverse composition. In this review, multidisciplinary analysis of novel approaches to address the problems, shifting from conventional approaches that include bulk removal to molecular breakdown and transformation. To do so, this review analyses the potential benefits of using state-of-the-art functionalized nanoadsorbents and magnetic particles for selective capturing, combined with catalytic and photo-catalytic systems for polymer destruction. Moreover, this study also focuses on the relationship between material science and digital intelligence by considering AI-based models for modelling MP kinetic processes in real time. This work explores circular economy concepts, including the use of enzymatic depolymerization, as well as the valorization of microplastics through transforming them into hydrogen and other valuable compounds.
Graphical Abstract