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Innovative Approaches to Mitigating Microplastic Pollution in Effluents and Soils

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  • Solange Magalhães

    (CERES, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Coimbra, Pólo II, R. Sílvio Lima, 3030-790 Coimbra, Portugal
    Surface and Colloid Engineering, FSCN Research Centre, Mid Sweden University, SE-851 70 Sundsvall, Sweden)

  • Luís Alves

    (CERES, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Coimbra, Pólo II, R. Sílvio Lima, 3030-790 Coimbra, Portugal)

  • Bruno Medronho

    (Surface and Colloid Engineering, FSCN Research Centre, Mid Sweden University, SE-851 70 Sundsvall, Sweden
    MED—Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development, CHANGE—Global Change and Sustainability Institute, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, Ed. 8, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal)

  • Ida Svanedal

    (Surface and Colloid Engineering, FSCN Research Centre, Mid Sweden University, SE-851 70 Sundsvall, Sweden)

  • Magnus Norgren

    (Surface and Colloid Engineering, FSCN Research Centre, Mid Sweden University, SE-851 70 Sundsvall, Sweden)

  • Maria Graça Rasteiro

    (CERES, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Coimbra, Pólo II, R. Sílvio Lima, 3030-790 Coimbra, Portugal)

Abstract

Microplastic pollution represents a significant environmental challenge, as microplastics accumulate in effluents and soils, causing serious risks to ecosystems and human health. Efficient removal of these contaminants is essential to mitigate their potential adverse effects. This review summarizes and critically analyses current methods for the removal of microplastics from effluents and soils, focusing on their effectiveness, advantages, and limitations. Conventional techniques—including filtration, flotation, chemical coagulation, flocculation, and adsorption—are discussed in the context of wastewater treatment and soil remediation. Emerging approaches, such as flocculation processes with special focus on the application of bio-based flocculants, are also highlighted as promising solutions. Key challenges in microplastic removal, including the diversity of microplastic types, their small size, and the complexity of environmental matrices, are addressed. This work intends to contribute to the urgent need for further research to develop more efficient and sustainable strategies for microplastic removal from environmental systems.

Suggested Citation

  • Solange Magalhães & Luís Alves & Bruno Medronho & Ida Svanedal & Magnus Norgren & Maria Graça Rasteiro, 2025. "Innovative Approaches to Mitigating Microplastic Pollution in Effluents and Soils," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(20), pages 1-27, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:20:p:9014-:d:1769117
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