Microplastics contamination associated with low-value domestic source organic solid waste: A review

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Waste Management
• Polymer Science

Background:

• Domestic low-value organic solid wastes (LOSW), including waste activated sludge and food waste, are significant environmental concerns.
• These wastes contain substantial organic matter and water, facilitating the complex migration of microplastics (MPs) across various mediums.
• The presence and behavior of MPs in LOSW require thorough investigation due to potential environmental impacts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and synthesize current literature on the separation and extraction of MPs from LOSW.
• To discuss the occurrence, sources, and impacts of MPs on thermal and biological treatments of LOSW.
• To analyze the fate and co-effects of MPs with other pollutants in landfills and soils, guiding future research and decontamination strategies.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review focusing on microplastic separation and extraction techniques from LOSW.
• Analysis of existing studies on the sources, occurrence, and environmental fate of MPs in domestic waste streams.
• Synthesis of research on the impact of MPs on waste treatment processes and their interactions with coexisting pollutants.

Main Results:

• Identified various methods for MP separation and extraction from LOSW, highlighting current challenges.
• Summarized the sources and pathways of MP contamination in domestic waste.
• Reviewed the effects of MPs on heat and biological treatments, as well as their behavior in landfills and soils.

Conclusions:

• Microplastic migration and transformation in domestic LOSW are complex and require further study.
• Development of unified extraction and analysis protocols for MPs in LOSW is essential.
• A deeper understanding of MP fate and interactions with pollutants will drive technological advancements in LOSW decontamination.