Fate and Removal of Microplastics from Industrial Wastewaters

Despina A. Gkika (), Athanasia K. Tolkou, Eleni Evgenidou, Dimitrios N. Bikiaris, Dimitra A. Lambropoulou, Athanasios C. Mitropoulos, Ioannis K. Kalavrouziotis and George Z. Kyzas ()
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Despina A. Gkika: Department of Chemistry, International Hellenic University, 65404 Kavala, Greece
Athanasia K. Tolkou: Department of Chemistry, International Hellenic University, 65404 Kavala, Greece
Eleni Evgenidou: Department of Chemistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
Dimitrios N. Bikiaris: Department of Chemistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
Dimitra A. Lambropoulou: Department of Chemistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
Athanasios C. Mitropoulos: Department of Chemistry, International Hellenic University, 65404 Kavala, Greece
Ioannis K. Kalavrouziotis: School of Science and Technology, Hellenic Open University, 26335 Patras, Greece
George Z. Kyzas: Department of Chemistry, International Hellenic University, 65404 Kavala, Greece

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 8, 1-19

Abstract: Industrial sites are typically located in close proximity to bodies of water, making industrial wastewater a prevalent source of pollution. Microplastics, which are plastic fragments generated from everyday activities or industrial operations and are smaller than 5 mm in size, can readily find their way into wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). The objective of this research was to offer extensive insight into the fate of microplastics in industrial WWTPs worldwide, as well as to explore the effectiveness of diverse advanced treatment technologies in eliminating microplastics. The prevalence of microplastics and their negative impact on aquatic environments has been acknowledged in recent years. The progressive discharge of plastic waste, insufficient detection processes with specialized elimination methods and a sluggish disposal rate have led to the continuous presence of microplastics in various ecosystems worldwide, such as domestic wastewater and industrial wastewater. Research outcomes have revealed that they can adsorb a variety of pathogens, heavy metals and chemical substances that are commonly used in production processes. Microplastics can be consumed by aquatic life, which might lead them up the food chain to human bodies, resulting in potential digestion tract blockage, digestion disturbance and diminished reproductive growth. Microplastics have thus become a growing threat and cause for concern, demanding the containment of their dispersion. This work offers a critical evaluation of current and developing techniques for microplastic detection and separation from industrial wastewater, which are the most challenging endeavors when treating systems containing microplastics. A review of the effect of microplastics on aquatic environments and human health is also conducted. This analysis offers a comprehensive view of the full microplastic detection and removal strategies and their related concerns in order to establish a waste disposal standard that minimizes the potential hazardous effects of microplastics in aquatic systems.

Keywords: microplastics; industrial wastewater; fate; size; shape; color; removal strategies (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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