Microfluidics as a Ray of Hope for Microplastic Pollution

Microplastic (MP) pollution is rising at an alarming rate, imposing overwhelming problems for the ecosystem. The impact of MPs on life and environmental cycles has already reached a point of no return; yet global awareness of this issue and regulations regarding MP exposure could change this situation in favor of human health. Detection and separation methods for different MPs need to be deployed to achieve the goal of reversing the effect of MPs. Microfluidics is a well-established technology that enables to manipulate samples in microliter volumes in an unprecedented manner. Owing to its low cost, ease of operation, and high efficiency, microfluidics holds immense potential to tackle unmet challenges in MP. In this review, conventional MP detection and separation technologies are comprehensively reviewed, along with state-of-the-art examples of microfluidic platforms. In addition, we herein denote an insight into future directions for microfluidics and how this technology would provide a more efficient solution to potentially eradicate MP pollution.

Automated summary

Microplastic pollution is increasing rapidly and causing significant problems for the ecosystem. The impact of microplastics on life and environmental cycles has reached a irreversible point, but global awareness and regulations can help address this issue for human health. Deploying detection and separation methods for different types of microplastics is crucial to reversing their effects. Microfluidics, with its low cost and high efficiency, has immense potential to tackle the challenges of microplastics. This review discusses conventional detection and separation technologies, along with state-of-the-art examples of microfluidic platforms, and provides insights into future directions for microfluidics to eradicate microplastic pollution more efficiently.