Microplastics: Behavior, Fate, and Remediation

Microplastics are a type of plastic that is small enough to be ingested by organisms. They are prevalent in the environment and can cause harm to animals and humans. This book provides an overview of microplastics, including their types, release sources, and hazards. It also examines technologies for removing microplastics from water, wastewater, and soil, including biological, chemical, and physical technologies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 416 pages
Publication date: 28 March 2023
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

Microplastics are tiny particles of plastic that are found in a wide range of environments, including water, soil, and air. They are created through the breakdown of larger plastic items, such as bottles, bags, and clothing, and can be found in everything from seafood to drinking water. Microplastics are a growing concern for both environmentalists and health professionals, as they can be harmful to both humans and wildlife.

The prevalence of microplastics is difficult to quantify, but studies have shown that they are present in a wide range of environments, including the deepest parts of the ocean, the Arctic, and even human bodies. Microplastics can be found in a wide range of organisms, including fish, birds, and even humans, and can cause a range of health problems, including damage to the digestive system, inflammation, and the release of toxic chemicals into the body.

There are several ways to reduce the prevalence of microplastics, including reducing the use of single-use plastics, recycling, and proper disposal of waste. However, the most effective way to reduce the impact of microplastics on the environment is to reduce the use of plastic in general. This can be done by reducing the use of plastic bags, bottles, and other single-use items, and by choosing products made from sustainable materials, such as bamboo or glass.

In addition to reducing the use of plastic, there are several technologies that can be used to remove microplastics from water, wastewater, and soil. These technologies include physical methods, such as filtration and sedimentation, as well as biological methods, such as bioremediation and phytoremediation. Physical methods can be effective, but they can also be expensive and require a lot of energy to operate. Biological methods, on the other hand, are more sustainable and can be used to remove a wide range of pollutants from water and soil.

One of the most promising technologies for removing microplastics from water is the use of ultrafiltration. Ultrafiltration is a process that uses a fine mesh filter to remove particles from water, including microplastics. The filtered water can then be treated to remove any remaining pollutants before being returned to the environment.

Another promising technology for removing microplastics from water is the use of nanofiltration. Nanofiltration is a process that uses a small mesh filter to remove particles from water, including microplastics. The filtered water can then be treated to remove any remaining pollutants before being returned to the environment.

In addition to removing microplastics from water, there are several technologies that can be used to remove microplastics from wastewater. These technologies include chemical treatments, such as coagulation and flocculation, as well as biological treatments, such as activated sludge and biofiltration. Chemical treatments can be effective, but they can also be harmful to the environment and can require a lot of energy to operate. Biological treatments, on the other hand, are more sustainable and can be used to remove a wide range of pollutants from wastewater.

In addition to removing microplastics from water and wastewater, there are several technologies that can be used to remove microplastics from soil. These technologies include physical methods, such as soil washing and excavation, as well as biological methods, such as biochar and compost. Physical methods can be effective, but they can also be expensive and can require a lot of energy to operate. Biological methods, on the other hand, are more sustainable and can be used to improve the quality of soil and reduce the amount of pollution that is released into the environment.

In conclusion, microplastics are a growing concern for both environmentalists and health professionals. They are present in a wide range of environments and can be harmful to both humans and wildlife. There are several ways to reduce the prevalence of microplastics, including reducing the use of single-use plastics, recycling, and proper disposal of waste. In addition to reducing the use of plastic, there are several technologies that can be used to remove microplastics from water, wastewater, and soil. These technologies include physical methods, such as filtration and sedimentation, as well as biological methods, such as bioremediation and phytoremediation. By working together, we can reduce the impact of microplastics on the environment and protect our planet for future generations.

Weight: 544g
Dimension: 223 x 155 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781636710808