Bioadsorbents for removal of microplastics from water ecosystems: a review

Patrick Mulindwa, Job S. Kasule, Florence Nantaba, John Wasswa, Antonio Jose Expósito

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

1 Citation (SciVal)

Abstract

Microplastics (MPs) present a pressing environmental concern, posing formidable challenges to their effective elimination from water systems. Bioadsorbents offer a promising, eco-friendly, and cost-effective alternative to traditional removal methods. This review analyzes 206 research papers (2016-January 2024) to explore recent advances in bioadsorbent design and application for microplastic removal. We examine the sources and ecological impacts of MPs, then delve into the most studied bioadsorbents: biochar (51.9%), biomass-derived activated carbon (7.4%), synthetic sponges/aerogels (25.9%), and graphene-based materials (14.8%). The review critically analyzes factors influencing MP adsorption by these materials, including MP type and size, adsorbent properties, and experimental conditions. Reported removal efficiencies ranged from 31% to 100%, with polystyrene (52%) being the most common test polymer. Finally, the intricate mechanisms of MP-bioadsorbent interaction are discussed. We highlight key challenges and future research directions for optimising and scaling up bioadsorbent-based MP removal, acknowledging the early stage of this promising and sustainable approach.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)13-30
Number of pages18
JournalInternational Journal of Sustainable Engineering
Volume17
Issue number1
Early online date8 Jul 2024
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 31 Dec 2024

Data Availability Statement

Data sharing is not applicable to this article as no new data were created or analysed in this study.

Funding

This research was made possible with support from the Government of the Republic of Uganda through Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF4), as well as from the International Science Program (ISP)-Uppsala University.

FundersFunder number
Uppsala University
Makerere University Research and Innovations FundMak-RIF4

    Keywords

    • adsorption
    • Biomass materials
    • removal mechanisms

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • General Engineering

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