Magnetic separation and degradation approaches for effective microplastic removal from aquatic and terrestrial environments

Abstract

The significant increase in plastic production and consumption presents a serious concern for human health and environmental sustainability. MPs pose risks to human health and ecosystems due to their long-standing existence in the environment. Conventional removal methods like filtration and biological degradation often prove inadequate for effectively addressing MP contamination. This study explores magnetic separation as a promising solution, utilizing advanced magnetic materials, including nanoparticles, to enhance the removal efficiency. By leveraging hydrophobic interactions, chemical modifications, and tailored additives, these materials offer a scalable and eco-friendly approach for mitigating MP pollution with improved separation performance. Bioinspired and biohybrid magnetic materials present further advancements, mimicking biological systems to capture MPs with high efficiency. Additionally, magnetic polymer composites provide promising options due to their stable, multifunctional structures. Furthermore, advanced degradation methods complement these removal techniques by breaking down MPs to less harmful compounds, with processes such as photodegradation, photocatalytic, and electrochemical oxidation enhancing degradation rates. Integrating magnetic separation with degradation processes offers a comprehensive approach, addressing both MP capture and breakdown. This combined strategy provides a promising, cost-effective approach to reduce MP contamination in ecosystems, promoting environmental sustainability.