Microplastics in surface water: occurrence, ecological implications, quantification methods and remediation technologies

• Published in: Chemical engineering journal (Lausanne, Switzerland : 1996) Switzerland : 1996), 2023-10, Vol.474, p.144936, Article 144936
• Main Authors: Rodrigues dos Santos, Carolina, Pinheiro Drumond, Guilherme, Rezende Moreira, Victor, Valéria de Souza Santos, Lucilaine, Cristina Santos Amaral, Míriam
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: In-situ remediation; Microplastic; Occurrence; Risk assessment; Surface water
• ISSN: 1385-8947; 1873-3212
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2023.144936

[Display omitted] •Effective monitoring is essential to ensure that laws and regulations are followed.•Polyethylene and polypropylene were found on all continents.•Negligible risk quotient can be a guideline to avoid MPs ‘hazards.•Many treatments are still in development, requiring stimuli in preventive methods.•The lack of global regulation hampers effective measures of MPs. The inappropriate disposal of plastic and the presence of plastic microspheres in wastewater resulting from industrial processes associated with their difficult biodegradation have contributed to microplastics (MPs) in aquatic compartments worldwide. MPs (plastic particles smaller than 5 mm) present in surface waters can promote negative impacts on aquatic organisms and act as vectors for other toxic contaminants. In this review, data was compiled regarding the occurrence of MPs with several characteristics in surface waters of different locations. In this sense, methods of quantification and characterization of MPs were discussed. Besides, toxicity to aquatic organisms of MPs alone and mixed with other compounds was reported, and the environmental risk quotient was measured. Finally, technologies for remediation of surface water contaminated with MPs and legislation for regulating MPs were presented. The study showed that polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) were the most common polymers in surface waters. MPs up to 5 µm tend to be more toxic. Furthermore, high risks were found for PE and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). These results reinforce the importance of technologies for in-situ remediation and regulatory frameworks discussed in this review.