Removing microplastics from aquatic environments: A critical review

Pan, Yu-Sheng; Gao, Shuhong; Ge, Chunhua; Gao, Qun; Huang, Shenyan; Kang, Yuanyuan; Luo, Gaoyang; Zhang, Ziqi; Lü, Fan; Zhu, Yongming; Wang, Aijie

doi:10.1016/j.ese.2022.100222

Cited by 53 publications

(26 citation statements)

References 177 publications

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“…Conventional methods used to remove MPs/NPs from DWTPs include coagulation-flocculation-sedimentation (CFS), filtration [3,17,18,84], ozonation [19,85], and chlorination [85]. The treatment process in a DWTP influences the quality of the drinking water produced [72].…”

Section: Physicochemical Methods For Removal Of Micro-and Nanoplastic...mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In this section, the most frequently used physicochemical methods for removing of MPs/NPs from drinking water sources have been assessed (Table S1). The effectiveness of MPs/NP removal from drinking water sources depends on various factors, such as their physicochemical parameters (concentration, molecular weight, size, shape, age), the adopted treatment method, the type and dosage of coagulant, the type of filtration, water source, as well as the presence of mixture of natural compounds, named natural organic matter (NOM) [72]. Also, the old and worn components from the DWTP could potentially be a potential source of MPs in drinking water [69].…”

Section: Physicochemical Methods For Removal Of Micro-and Nanoplastic...mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Adsorption is widely used for the removal of contaminants from aqueous solutions, being cost-effective and environmentally friendly [92][93][94]. The possible factors affecting the removal efficiency of MPs/NPs by adsorption include: pH, temperature, adsorbent types, dissolved organic matter (DOM), and ions [72]. pH and temperature are considered the two most important factors.…”

Section: Adsorptionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…pH and temperature are considered the two most important factors. pH affects the adsorption efficiency mainly by influencing the charge on the surface of MPs and the adsorbent, whereas temperature can influence the adsorbate diffusion rate and equilibrium capacity; higher temperatures led to high MPs adsorption [72].…”

Section: Adsorptionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Recently, the presence of MPs in DWTP was reported [69][70][71] and removal methods are still under investigation. From DWTPs, the unremoved MPs can enter water compartments used for daily human drinking water consumption, causing potential toxicological effects through ingestion, dermal exposure and inhalation [72][73][74][75]. Despite water being essential for life, few studies have been reported on the removal of MPs and NPs from drinking water sources [75] and their impact on human health.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Insights into Anthropogenic Micro- and Nanoplastic Accumulation in Drinking Water Sources and Their Potential Effects on Human Health

Râpă

Darie-Niță²,

Matei

et al. 2023

Polymers

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Anthropogenic microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) are ubiquitous pollutants found in aquatic, food, soil and air environments. Recently, drinking water for human consumption has been considered a significant pathway for ingestion of such plastic pollutants. Most of the analytical methods developed for detection and identification of MPs have been established for particles with sizes > 10 µm, but new analytical approaches are required to identify NPs below 1 µm. This review aims to evaluate the most recent information on the release of MPs and NPs in water sources intended for human consumption, specifically tap water and commercial bottled water. The potential effects on human health of dermal exposure, inhalation, and ingestion of these particles were examined. Emerging technologies used to remove MPs and/or NPs from drinking water sources and their advantages and limitations were also assessed. The main findings showed that the MPs with sizes > 10 µm were completely removed from drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs). The smallest NP identified using pyrolysis–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (Pyr-GC/MS) had a diameter of 58 nm. Contamination with MPs/NPs can occur during the distribution of tap water to consumers, as well as when opening and closing screw caps of bottled water or when using recycled plastic or glass bottles for drinking water. In conclusion, this comprehensive study emphasizes the importance of a unified approach to detect MPs and NPs in drinking water, as well as raising the awareness of regulators, policymakers and the public about the impact of these pollutants, which pose a human health risk.

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