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<p>Micro- and nano-plastics released from textile wet-processing wastewater are the most significant environmental concern driven by widespread use of polymer-based finishes on synthetic fabrics. Customary treatment plants struggle to capture these sub-micron particles, creating an urgent need for sustainable, high-performance interventions. This review critically examines the formation pathways of micro- and nano-plastics during textile wet processing and evaluates activated carbon (AC) based adsorption as a practical removal strategy. The adsorption capabilities of AC are described in relation to physical entrapment and surface interactions, including hydrophobic forces, van der Waals interactions, and π–π stacking, enabling the simultaneous removal of plastics and coexisting contaminants such as dyes, surfactants, and heavy metals. Advances in AC modification (chemical activation, tailored thermal regimes, and bio-functionalization) markedly improve uptake, especially when operational parameters (pH, dissolved organic matter) are optimized. Coupling AC adsorption with advanced oxidation processes further enhances removal efficiency and has shown promise at pilot and pre-industrial scales. Key barriers remain regarding the regeneration and reuse, cost and supply of engineered AC, fouling by natural organic matter, and long-term performance under realistic effluent conditions. Future works should include the development of scalable, low-cost modified AC, robust regeneration protocols, integrated treatment trains, and lifecycle/techno-economic assessments to translate laboratory gains into practical solutions for textile wastewater management.</p>

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Activated carbon for the removal of micro-plastics from wastewater: a review

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2026年6月24日

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  • Azam Ali,
  • Jiri Militky

摘要

Micro- and nano-plastics released from textile wet-processing wastewater are the most significant environmental concern driven by widespread use of polymer-based finishes on synthetic fabrics. Customary treatment plants struggle to capture these sub-micron particles, creating an urgent need for sustainable, high-performance interventions. This review critically examines the formation pathways of micro- and nano-plastics during textile wet processing and evaluates activated carbon (AC) based adsorption as a practical removal strategy. The adsorption capabilities of AC are described in relation to physical entrapment and surface interactions, including hydrophobic forces, van der Waals interactions, and π–π stacking, enabling the simultaneous removal of plastics and coexisting contaminants such as dyes, surfactants, and heavy metals. Advances in AC modification (chemical activation, tailored thermal regimes, and bio-functionalization) markedly improve uptake, especially when operational parameters (pH, dissolved organic matter) are optimized. Coupling AC adsorption with advanced oxidation processes further enhances removal efficiency and has shown promise at pilot and pre-industrial scales. Key barriers remain regarding the regeneration and reuse, cost and supply of engineered AC, fouling by natural organic matter, and long-term performance under realistic effluent conditions. Future works should include the development of scalable, low-cost modified AC, robust regeneration protocols, integrated treatment trains, and lifecycle/techno-economic assessments to translate laboratory gains into practical solutions for textile wastewater management.