Comprehensive Strategies for Mitigating Microplastic Pollution: From Detection to Remediation

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Chemistry
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Microplastics (MPs) are persistent contaminants found globally, posing risks to ecosystems and human health.
• High concentrations of MPs have been detected in diverse environments, from wastewater treatment plants to polar regions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the origins, distribution, and impacts of MPs on ecosystems, human health, and climate change.
• To examine current detection and remediation techniques for MPs.
• To explore emerging solutions for MP pollution.

Main Methods:

• Detection methods include advanced microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Raman spectroscopy.
• Remediation strategies encompass physical (filtration, adsorption), chemical (AOPs, electrocoagulation), and biological (biodegradation) approaches.
• Emerging solutions involve bioengineered enzymes, biosensors, and genetically modified microorganisms.

Main Results:

• Physical methods achieve high MP removal but only immobilize them.
• Chemical methods are effective but energy-intensive.
• Biological remediation shows promise, with some fungi degrading over 94% of MPs, though challenges remain.

Conclusions:

• MP pollution necessitates standardized detection methods and scalable remediation strategies.
• Addressing MP fragmentation into nanoplastics and by-product release is crucial.
• Innovative solutions like bioengineered enzymes and targeted microbial degradation offer future pathways for MP mitigation.