Filtration Methods for Microplastic Removal in Wastewater Streams — A Review

Abstract

Microplastics are commonly recognized as environmental and biotic contaminants. The prevalent presence of microplastics in aquatic settings raises concerns about plastic pollution. Therefore, it is critical to develop methods that can eliminate these microplastics with low cost and high effectiveness. This review concisely provides an overview of various methods and technologies for removing microplastics from wastewater and marine environments. Dynamic membranes and membrane bioreactors are effective in removing microplastics from wastewater. Chemical methods such as coagulation and sedimentation, electrocoagulation, and sol-gel reactions can also be used for microplastic removal. Biological methods such as the use of microorganisms and fungi are also effective for microplastic degradation. Advanced filtration technologies like a combination of membrane bioreactor and activated sludge method show high microplastic removal efficiency.