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 language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 13-30 |
Number of pages | 18 |
Journal | International Journal of Sustainable Engineering |
Volume | 17 |
Issue number | 1 |
Early online date | 8 Jul 2024 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 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.
Funders | Funder number |
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Uppsala University | |
Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund | Mak-RIF4 |
Keywords
- adsorption
- Biomass materials
- removal mechanisms
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Engineering