Technological approaches for removal of microplastics and nanoplastics in the environment

Water pollution is an environmental concern especially due to microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) that received significant consideration for small-sized plastic particle pollution from the soil, dust, marine environment, and drinking water. MPs/NPs, with a large surface area and fine particle sizes, have strong adsorption and substantial transfer for several pollutants. These particles are stable in water bodies and have been identified in the media to possess potential respiratory and oral alignment sources. Therefore, efficacy and feasible techniques for detecting and removing/degradation of MPs/NPs from the environment are imperative. Various conventional and non-conventional methods have been used to eliminate plastic particles; however, these technologies are inefficient due to coagulant types, degradation resistance, and occupying a large space. This study reviewed the types, properties, and occurrence of MPs and NPs. The various technological methods for detecting MPs and NPs and their effects on human health are discussed. The new integrated approaches for removing MPs and NPs, and the challenges currently facing MP and NP remediation in the environment were also put forward. This review will not only help to understand the removal of MPs and NPs from the environment but also provide insight into the removal of plastic particles during water treatment and the thermal pyrolysis process of screened waste plastics into fuel oil. Besides synthesized liquid fuel, adequate information on converting non-condensable pyrolysis gas as byproducts for carbon materials like multi-walled carbon nanotubes is proposed.