Microplastic remediation

Microplastic remediation refers to environmental remediation techniques focused on the removal, treatment and containment of microplastics (small plastic particles) from environmental media such as soil, water, or sediment.^[1]

Microplastics can be removed using physical, chemical, or biological techniques.^[2]

Remediation of microplastics in air

Microplastic is a type of airborne particulates and is found to prevail in air.^[3][4][5]

Remediation of microplastics in water

Microplastics can be removed from water by filtration or absorption. Absorption devices include sponges made of cotton and squid bones.^[6]

Researchers have shown that microplastic remediation in water can also be accomplished by utilizing plant-based polymers from Fenugreek and Okra as flocculants.^[7]

Biochar filtration has been used in wastewater treatment plants.^[8]

Efforts to physically remove microplastics from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch have used nets and collection bags.^[9]

Remediation of microplastics in soil

Microplastics are commonly found in soil.^[10][11] Techniques are under development to achieve reductions in soil microplastics via photodegradation, chemical extraction, or bioremediation.^[12][13][14]

See also

• Environmental remediation
• Microplastics and human health
• Plastic pollution