Enzymatic Degradation and Advanced Methods for Microplastic Removal

Microplastic (MP) pollution has become a global environmental crisis, adversely affecting ecosystems, aquatic life, and human health. Addressing this issue requires a multifaceted approach that combines physical, chemical, and biological strategies. Physical methods, such as filtration and sedimentation, offer straightforward solutions but are often inefficient at removing small-sized MPs. Chemical approaches, including advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) and photodegradation, enable the breakdown of MPs into smaller, less toxic fragments; however, the associated high energy requirements and potential for secondary pollution remain significant limitations. Biological methods, particularly enzymatic degradation, offer an eco-friendly solution by converting MPs into biodegradable monomers, although further optimization is needed for large-scale implementation. This review focuses on advanced technologies for MP mitigation, particularly the synergistic integration of physical, chemical, and biological strategies. Among these, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as a groundbreaking solution due to the associated high surface area, tunable porosity, and chemical functionality, which together enable selective adsorption and capture of MPs from complex water matrices. By addressing the limitations of existing methods, this integrated approach improves the efficiency and sustainability of MP removal, thereby contributing to global environmental restoration and advancing remediation technologies.