Overview of microplastics in the environment: type, source, potential effects and removal strategies

• Published in: Bioprocess and biosystems engineering 2023-03, Vol.46 (3), p.429-441
• Main Authors: Kristanti, Risky Ayu, Hadibarata, Tony, Wulandari, Nilam Fadmaulidha, Sibero, Mada Triandala, Darmayati, Yeti, Hatmanti, Ariani
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biotechnology; Chemistry; Chemistry and Materials Science; Environmental Engineering/Biotechnology; Environmental Monitoring; Environmental quality; Food Science; Humans; Industrial and Production Engineering; Industrial Chemistry/Chemical Engineering; Marine environment; Marine technology; Microplastics; Plastic debris; Plastic pollution; Plastics; Research Paper; Waste Disposal, Fluid; Water damage; Water Pollutants, Chemical - analysis; Water supply
• ISSN: 1615-7591; 1615-7605
• DOI: 10.1007/s00449-022-02784-y

The introduction of plastic sectors has resulted in the presence of microplastics (MPs) in water systems, which has become a global issue that has attracted scientific and community awareness. MPs can be detected in a variety of sources such as beauty products, manufacturing effluent, or fishing activities. This study examined the repercussions posed by MPs’ prevalence on land and marine environments and human health issues. Henceforth, remediation technologies must be introduced to shift out MPs from the water supplies in order to sustain the environmental quality for future generations, the benefits and drawbacks of the technology applied. This study also portrays difficulties encountered in MP research as the hurdles must be mastered in order to properly comprehend the MPs. The cooperation between nations is the most critical aspect in fully tackling MP issues as it can be easily carried by wind or water and its damage can be larger than predicted.