Microplastics Pollution in Aquatic Media: Occurrence, Detection, and Removal

Microplastics are a significant water pollutant, found in water and aquatic media. This book provides an overview of microplastics in freshwater environments, discussing their ecotoxicological effects, removal/remediation techniques, and the role of water/wastewater treatment plants in spreading them. It is a valuable resource for researchers and professionals.

Format: Hardback
Length: 377 pages
Publication date: 11 April 2022
Publisher: Springer Verlag, Singapore

Microplastics, a significant water pollutant, have garnered widespread attention due to their presence in water and aquatic media, affecting both humans and the environment. While the origins of this pollution may be traced back to the sea, it has now spread to lakes, rivers, ponds, and even drinking water. This comprehensive book offers an overview of microplastics in freshwater environments across different regions worldwide. It delves into the ecotoxicological consequences of microplastics, explores effective removal and remediation techniques, and emphasizes the role of water and wastewater treatment plants in the dissemination of microplastics. Serving as a valuable resource, this book encompasses a wide range of topics related to microplastics, encompassing their sources, detection, characterization, removal, and their ultimate fate in treatment plants.

Microplastics, tiny particles of plastic ranging in size from nanometers to millimeters, have emerged as a growing concern in recent years. These particles, which are derived from various sources such as plastic waste, clothing, and industrial processes, find their way into water bodies, where they can have detrimental effects on both human health and the environment.

One of the most significant impacts of microplastics is their ecotoxicological effects. Microplastics can absorb harmful chemicals and pollutants from the environment, which can then be ingested by aquatic organisms, including fish, birds, and mammals. These organisms, in turn, can accumulate these toxins in their bodies, leading to a range of health problems, including reproductive issues, immune system dysfunction, and even cancer.

Furthermore, microplastics can also disrupt the natural ecosystems of water bodies. They can act as vectors for pathogens, causing infections and diseases in aquatic animals. Additionally, microplastics can accumulate on the surfaces of aquatic plants, reducing their photosynthetic capacity and affecting the overall health of the aquatic ecosystem.

Despite the growing awareness of the risks associated with microplastics, there are still challenges in addressing this problem. One of the main challenges is the lack of effective detection and characterization methods for microplastics in water. Traditional methods of water quality testing, such as sedimentation and flotation, may not be sensitive enough to detect the presence of microplastics, leading to underestimates of the actual pollution levels.

To address this challenge, researchers have developed new detection methods, such as microfiltration and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These methods can provide more accurate and sensitive measurements of microplastics in water, allowing for better monitoring and management of pollution levels.

In addition to detection and characterization, there are also several methods for removing and remediating microplastics from water. One of the most commonly used methods is mechanical filtration, which involves using filters to remove microplastics from water. However, this method can be inefficient and may not remove all types of microplastics.

Another method for removing microplastics is chemical treatment, which involves using chemicals to break down or dissolve microplastics into smaller particles. However, this method can also be harmful to the environment and may not be effective in removing all types of microplastics.

In recent years, there has been growing interest in the use of bioremediation techniques to remove microplastics from water. Bioremediation involves the use of living organisms, such as bacteria and fungi, to break down and remove microplastics from water. This method has shown promising results in removing microplastics from contaminated water bodies and has the potential to be a sustainable and cost-effective solution for managing microplastics pollution.

In conclusion, microplastics are a significant water pollutant that has the potential to have detrimental effects on human health and the environment. While the origins of this pollution may be traced back to the sea, it has now spread to lakes, rivers, ponds, and even drinking water. This comprehensive book offers an overview of microplastics in freshwater environments across different regions worldwide. It delves into the ecotoxicological consequences of microplastics, explores effective removal and remediation techniques, and emphasizes the role of water and wastewater treatment plants in the dissemination of microplastics. By increasing awareness and implementing effective measures, we can work towards reducing the impact of microplastics on our water bodies and preserving the health of our ecosystems.

Weight: 746g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789811684395
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022