Work

Innovative Approaches to Mitigating Microplastic Pollution in Effluents and Soils

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Microplastic pollution represents a significant environmental challenge, as microplastics accumulate in effluents and soils, causing serious risks to ecosystems and human health. Efficient removal of these contaminants is essential to mitigate their potential adverse effects. This review summarizes and critically analyses current methods for the removal of microplastics from effluents and soils, focusing on their effectiveness, advantages, and limitations. Conventional techniques—including filtration, flotation, chemical coagulation, flocculation, and adsorption—are discussed in the context of wastewater treatment and soil remediation. Emerging approaches, such as flocculation processes with special focus on the application of bio-based flocculants, are also highlighted as promising solutions. Key challenges in microplastic removal, including the diversity of microplastic types, their small size, and the complexity of environmental matrices, are addressed. This work intends to contribute to the urgent need for further research to develop more efficient and sustainable strategies for microplastic removal from environmental systems.

Source: Sustainability

DOI: 10.3390/su17209014

Authors: Solange Magalhães, Luís Alves, Bruno Medronho, Ida Svanedal, Magnus Norgren, Maria Graça Rasteiro

Institutions: Mid Sweden University, University of Coimbra, University of Algarve

Language: English

Topic: Microplastics and Plastic Pollution

Subfield: Pollution

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Clean water and sanitation, Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896