The Removal of Microplastics as a Source for Toxic Chemicals in Aquatic Environments: Characteristics, Occurrence and Removal Mechanisms

Microplastics are ubiquitously dispersed throughout the environment. Its presence, especially in the aquatic environment, creates a significant hazard to both human and aquatic life. There are several sources that contribute to the presence of microplastics in the environment. These include wastewater treatment plants, the gradual release of secondary microplastics that result from the breakdown of larger plastic objects, the deposition of microplastics from the atmosphere, and agricultural land that has been treated with sewage sludge. Eliminating microplastics from water is a challenging and labor-intensive process that requires careful identification and removal. This study aims to analyze and measure the effectiveness of removing microplastics from water, as well as identify efficient techniques for their elimination. Some research has employed ecologically acceptable materials to treat water contaminated with microplastics, while others have used micro and nanorobots to clean water contaminated with microplastics. Membrane bioreactor (MBR) technology is the most effective approach for tertiary treatment, following the primary and secondary treatment phases which remove a significant portion of particles. It’s likely that sewage sludge contains most of the microplastics that are eliminated throughout the wastewater treatment process. Thus, sewage sludge applications annually release billions of microplastics into the environment. Additionally, microplastics have the ability to function as a specific layer in wastewater treatment facilities, adsorbing and transporting various pathogenic and bacterial taxa while promoting the maintenance of genes that confer resistance to antibiotics. Hence, this paper presents a comprehensive review of the latest research on the presence and elimination of microplastics in wastewater treatment facilities and aquatic environments, as well as finding the most effective and environmentally friendly materials and procedures.