An Overview of Physical, Chemical and Biological Methods for Removal of Microplastics

Abstract

Globally, the problem of microplastics (MPs) pose to water resources is current concern to scientists. Sources of MPs to water resources include wastewater, atmospheric deposition, surface runoff and leaching. Many marine animals suffer from ingesting high amounts of MPs accumulating in the gut and cause obstruction and inflammation in their organs. Humans are equally exposed from the use of surface water and drinking water or ground water. In view of these problems and in a bid to mitigate potential risks from the release of MPs to receiving waters, stringent water quality requirements for effluents are required and scientists are now developing methods or techniques to remove MPs from water resources. We reviewed techniques developed or modified for MPs removal in water and wastewater such as Dynamic Membranes Technology (DM), membrane bioreactors (MBR), reverse osmosis (RO), dissolved air flotation (DAF), rapid sand filtration (RSF), disc filter (DF), inorganic–organic hybrid silica gels, metal based-coagulation and electrocoagulation. The principles of these techniques were discussed as well as the advantages and disadvantages. Conclusions were drawn and future areas of research were recommended.