Microplastic remediation technologies in water and wastewater treatment processes: Current status and future perspectives

Microplastics (MPs) are a type of contaminants produced during the use and disposal of plastic products, which are ubiq-uitous in our lives. With the high specific surface area and strong hydrophobicity, MPs can adsorb various hazardous mi-croorganisms and chemical contaminants from the environment, causing irreversible damage to our humans. It is reported that the MPs have been detected in infant feces and human blood. Therefore, the presence of MPs has posed a significant threat to human health. It is critically essential to develop efficient, scalable and environmentally-friendly methods to re-move MPs. Herein, recent advances in the MPs remediation technologies in water and wastewater treatment processes are overviewed. Several approaches, including membrane filtration, adsorption, chemically induced coagulation -flocculation-sedimentation, bioremediation, and advanced oxidation processes are systematically documented. The char-acteristics, mechanisms, advantages, and disadvantages of these methods are well discussed and highlighted. Finally, the current challenges and future trends of these methods are proposed, with the aim of facilitating the remediation of MPs in water and wastewater treatment processes in a more efficient, scalable, and environmentally-friendly way.

Automated summary

Microplastics (MPs) are contaminants produced during the use and disposal of plastic products, posing a significant threat to human health. Efficient methods for removing MPs from water and wastewater treatment processes, such as membrane filtration, adsorption, coagulation-flocculation-sedimentation, bioremediation, and advanced oxidation processes, have been systematically discussed in this article. The characteristics, mechanisms, advantages, and disadvantages of these methods are highlighted. Future trends and challenges in the remediation of MPs are also proposed to achieve a more efficient, scalable, and environmentally-friendly approach.