A Call to Action for Addressing Microplastic Pollution: Mitigation and Solutions

In light of the escalating issue of microplastic (MP) pollution, it has become essential to seek inventive strategies for mitigating the presence of MP. The strategies utilized for MP elimination can be categorized into three categories: physical, chemical, or biological. Each procedure possesses its removal efficiency, operating circumstances, benefits, and constraints. The physical method encompasses the processes of filtration, adsorption, and flocculation. The selection of the applied methodology is determined by the characteristics and attributes of the MP being studied, including their type, size under alkaline conditions, and composition. Various chemical methods, such as coagulation and flocculation, are employed to reduce the impact of MP. Several studies have documented the efficacy of these methods in removing MP through the use of different coagulants, including salts based on iron (Fe) and aluminum (Al). Plastic biodegradation involves converting the polymer's organic carbon into biogas and biomass by a series of enzymes produced by a consortium of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes) capable of utilizing plastic as a carbon source. Furthermore, abiotic degradation leads to roughness, fractures, and molecular alterations in polymers. Abiotic degradation induces alterations in plastic materials, referred to as “aging”. The degradation of this process is influenced by factors such as temperature, solar radiation, salt, pH, and substances that oxidize or interrupt polymer chain stretch to accelerate deterioration. Therefore, the current chapter summarizes the most used and effective MP mitigation approaches.