Advanced membrane technologies for microplastic treatment

Microplastics (MPs) are a major environmental hazard that presents serious challenges for the treatment of wastewater and water. Effective remediation solutions are necessary because of the potential dangers of MP entering the food chain, particularly through aquatic habitats, due to their persistent nature and resistance to complete biodegradation. This chapter discusses the urgent need to remove MP and explores the application of membrane technologies in mitigating this emerging contaminant. This chapter provides a comprehensive examination of membrane technologies since they have shown effective in removing MPs from aqueous matrices either directly or indirectly. The present state of MP removal is contextualized with regard to membrane technologies, highlighting their suitability for the MPs removal and outlining future research and development pathways to enhance their efficacy. The chapter also discusses comparisons between membrane filtration and other techniques for removing MPs from water and wastewater. A thorough analysis of the benefits and drawbacks of different removal techniques offers insights into the best approaches to managing MP pollution. This chapter also explores the challenges associated with membrane fouling by MPs and their possible solutions. A thorough examination of these aspects adds a critical dimension to the understanding of MP removal mechanisms, guiding researchers, engineers, and policymakers in developing sustainable and efficient solutions.