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Systematic Review of Degradation Processes for Microplastics: Progress and Prospects

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  • Peng Xiang

    (Key Laboratory of Coarse Cereal Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sichuan Engineering & Technology Research Center of Coarse Cereal Industrialization, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China)

  • Ting Zhang

    (Key Laboratory of Coarse Cereal Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sichuan Engineering & Technology Research Center of Coarse Cereal Industrialization, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China)

  • Qian Wu

    (Key Laboratory of Coarse Cereal Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sichuan Engineering & Technology Research Center of Coarse Cereal Industrialization, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China)

  • Qiang Li

    (Key Laboratory of Coarse Cereal Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sichuan Engineering & Technology Research Center of Coarse Cereal Industrialization, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China)

Abstract

Microplastics (MPs) have been shown to be more hazardous than large plastics. In recent years, many studies have confirmed the hazards of MPs to organisms and summarized various MP degradation techniques, but there is a lack of discussion on the prospects of the application of these degradation techniques and their degradation efficiency. Therefore, this paper reviewed the degradation techniques of MPs, such as adsorption, direct photodegradation, photocatalytic oxidation, electrochemical oxidation, and biological methods, and their application prospects. By focusing on the biodegradation mechanism and degradation efficiency, the potential for efficient and sustainable development of biodegradation processes and the prospect of large-scale application are highlighted, enabling readers to better understand the current status of research on MP biodegradation. This review provides direction for research on MP degradation, suggestions for governmental environmental governance and policy development, and references for the sustainability and large-scale application of MP biodegradation.

Suggested Citation

  • Peng Xiang & Ting Zhang & Qian Wu & Qiang Li, 2023. "Systematic Review of Degradation Processes for Microplastics: Progress and Prospects," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(17), pages 1-18, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:17:p:12698-:d:1222515
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Laurent Lebreton & Anthony Andrady, 2019. "Future scenarios of global plastic waste generation and disposal," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 5(1), pages 1-11, December.
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