Microplastics can be removed using physical, chemical, or biological techniques.[2]
Remediation of microplastics in air
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Microplastics can be airborne and have been identified in both air and dust samples from both indoor and outdoor locations in China and London, among others, with indoor microplastic levels being higher than outdoor levels.[3][4][5][6] More studies are needed to measure the impact of microplastics as part of airborne particulate matter on human health.[7] Removal of airborne microplastics is challenging and the best strategy is to improve indoor ventilation and to reduce emission by reducing use of synthetic textiles and by using HEPA filters when vacuuming.[8] HEPA air filters can reduce indoor airborne particulate matter and might be similarly effective for microplastics removal.[9]
Incineration of plastics for energy is a large contributing factor to airborne microplastics.[10] It has been observed that switching from plastic burning to renewable technologies for the production of energy is a viable method of microplastic remediation for airborne microplastics.[10]
Remediation of microplastics in water
This image shows the process of flocculating water that has been confirmed to be polluted by microplastics. Fenugreek polymer has been added for the flocculation process in order to adsorb the microplastics for removal from the water.Okra polymer created for use in microplastic remediation in waters.
Researchers have shown that microplastic remediation in water can also be accomplished by utilizing plant-based polymers from Fenugreek and Okra as flocculants.[12] The flocculation process utilizes the unique structure of the polymers created from the sugars of Fenugreek and Okra as adsorption vectors.[12] Once the microplastics have been captured by the polymers in the flocculation process, the polymers settle to the bottom of the solution and are filtered out.[12] Utilization of these polymers for flocculation results in an average of 80% of microplastic removal from water.[12]
Efforts to physically remove microplastics from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch have used nets and collection bags.[14] The method of netting or bagging plastics in the ocean involves pairs of ships pulling large bags or nets, like plankton nets, to remove the plastics.[14]
Remediation of microplastics in soil and sediments
Microplastics are commonly found in soil and sediments.[15][16] Techniques are under development to achieve reductions in soil microplastics via photodegradation, chemical extraction, or bioremediation.[17][18][19] Additionally, density separation has been found to be an effective technique for microplastic remediation of sediments.[20]
Density separation involves saturating a volume of water with salts, such as NaCl or ZnCl, and dissolving the sediments. The microplastics are less dense than the saturated water which causes them to float to the top and can be removed by decantation.[20]
Biodegradation of microplastics has been accomplished in soils and sediments by utilizing microorganisms, such as bacteria or fungi, that are capable of eating the plastics as a food source.[15]
1 2 Sardar, Muhammad Fahad; Bin-Jumah, May; Rudayni, Hassan A.; Allam, Ahmed A.; Guo, Weihua (2025-07-24). "Potential of green nanotechnology for air pollution and microplastic remediation in China: evidence by ARDL panel data analysis". Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy. Bibcode:2025CTEP..tmp..188S. doi:10.1007/s10098-025-03273-y. ISSN1618-9558.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: bibcode (link)
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