Microplastic pollution remediation: a comprehensive review on electrochemical advanced oxidation processes (EAOPs) for degradation in wastewater

Abstract

This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the electrochemical advanced oxidation processes (EAOPs) for the removal of underwater microplastics. First, we analyze the sources of various microplastic contaminants, such as personal hygiene products, synthetic textiles, industrial processes, plastic waste, fishing nets, and road wear, and the complexity of underwater microplastic distribution, including spatial, vertical, and temporal distributions. Then, the types, principles and reaction mechanisms of EAOPs for underwater microplastic removal are described in detail, and their applications to microplastic removal are discussed, including electrode materials and parameter optimization. The unique contribution of this review lies in its critical synthesis that bridges the gap between fundamental electrochemistry and applied water treatment, offering a dedicated focus on the operational parameters and implementation challenges specific to microplastic degradation, which have not been comprehensively addressed in the literature. In addition, the advantages and limitations of EAOPs are analyzed, such as their efficient decomposition ability, low risk of secondary pollution and easy control, along with the problems such as high energy consumption, high electrode cost and complicated operation. Finally, to promote the sustainable application of EAOPs in wastewater treatment, ways to overcome these limitations, including the development of new electrode materials, optimization of operating parameters, integration of other technologies, and resource and energy recovery, are suggested.