Microplastics: Occurrences, treatment methods, regulations and foreseen environmental impacts

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Water Treatment Engineering
• Ecotoxicology

Background:

• Microplastics present a pervasive environmental threat, impacting ecosystems and organism health.
• Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are critical points for microplastic release and face operational challenges due to microplastic properties.
• Detection of microplastics using current analytical techniques remains a significant hurdle.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively review the occurrence, detection, and treatment of microplastics in WWTPs.
• To critically analyze existing conventional and advanced treatment technologies for microplastics.
• To identify knowledge gaps in legislation and propose strategies for developing novel treatment solutions.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of microplastic occurrence, detection methods, and treatment technologies in WWTPs.
• Critical analysis of the pros and cons of current microplastic treatment methods.
• Evaluation of legislative frameworks and their implementation challenges worldwide.

Main Results:

• Current treatment methods for microplastics in WWTPs are insufficient, with no truly innovative technologies emerging.
• WWTPs face operational instability and process disruptions due to microplastic contamination.
• Significant challenges exist in the accurate detection and quantification of microplastics.

Conclusions:

• There is an urgent need for the development of state-of-the-art technologies or combinations thereof for selective microplastic treatment.
• Addressing microplastic pollution requires a multi-faceted approach including technological innovation and legislative improvements.
• Further research is needed to understand microplastic fate in WWTPs and develop effective removal strategies.