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<p>Microplastics (MPs) are globally distributed in ecosystems, becoming a growing risk to aquatic environments. This study systematically examines the occurrence, fate, toxicity, and health risks of microparticles in ecosystems and the removal approaches of MPs in water and wastewater using a comprehensive search strategy. By addressing emerging environmental challenges, the research proposes solutions aimed at promoting sustainability. This paper summarizes innovative technologies for removing MPs in water and wastewater toward a circular economy and a sustainable future. Green solutions for MP treatment, such as physical, chemical, and biological approaches, were proposed, including integrated environmentally friendly techniques. Granular activated carbon (GAC) and biochar represent low-cost and effective options for MP removal, achieving treatment efficiencies exceeding 90% in wastewater. Physicochemical treatments, such as electrocoagulation and carbon-based nanomaterials (i.e., carbon dots, carbon nanotubes), have been reported to reach up to 95% removal efficiency. In addition, membrane bioreactor (MBR) systems have demonstrated approximately 99% reduction of MPs. Findings show that using biological processes and nature-based materials for MP removal offers practical, more sustainable, and environmentally friendly options. Efficient removal of MPs toward a circular economy is critical to reducing the release into the natural ecosystems as a key to a sustainable future. Implementing circular economy principles can minimize plastic waste generation, enhance recycling and reuse processes, and improve wastewater treatment technologies, ultimately leading to cleaner water systems. The review reveals a new insight, showing that integrating circular economy principles into wastewater management not only helps remove MPs but also enables the extraction and reuse of valuable resources, thereby enhancing sustainability and resource efficiency. This points to preventing the transfer of MPs to natural ecosystems, preventing ecological risks, and protecting the health of our environment. The study's significance provides a holistic view of current solutions, challenges, and opportunities related to MP removal, contributing to more effective and sustainable environmental management practices.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p>

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Removal of microplastics in water and wastewater: prospects toward a circular economy

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年4月9日

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  • Van-Hiep Hoang,
  • Minh-Ky Nguyen,
  • Tuan-Dung Hoang,
  • Chitsan Lin,
  • Minh Cuong Ha,
  • Nguyen Thi Thanh Huyen,
  • Adnan Hussain,
  • X. Hoan Nguyen,
  • Woojin Chung,
  • D. Duc Nguyen

摘要

Microplastics (MPs) are globally distributed in ecosystems, becoming a growing risk to aquatic environments. This study systematically examines the occurrence, fate, toxicity, and health risks of microparticles in ecosystems and the removal approaches of MPs in water and wastewater using a comprehensive search strategy. By addressing emerging environmental challenges, the research proposes solutions aimed at promoting sustainability. This paper summarizes innovative technologies for removing MPs in water and wastewater toward a circular economy and a sustainable future. Green solutions for MP treatment, such as physical, chemical, and biological approaches, were proposed, including integrated environmentally friendly techniques. Granular activated carbon (GAC) and biochar represent low-cost and effective options for MP removal, achieving treatment efficiencies exceeding 90% in wastewater. Physicochemical treatments, such as electrocoagulation and carbon-based nanomaterials (i.e., carbon dots, carbon nanotubes), have been reported to reach up to 95% removal efficiency. In addition, membrane bioreactor (MBR) systems have demonstrated approximately 99% reduction of MPs. Findings show that using biological processes and nature-based materials for MP removal offers practical, more sustainable, and environmentally friendly options. Efficient removal of MPs toward a circular economy is critical to reducing the release into the natural ecosystems as a key to a sustainable future. Implementing circular economy principles can minimize plastic waste generation, enhance recycling and reuse processes, and improve wastewater treatment technologies, ultimately leading to cleaner water systems. The review reveals a new insight, showing that integrating circular economy principles into wastewater management not only helps remove MPs but also enables the extraction and reuse of valuable resources, thereby enhancing sustainability and resource efficiency. This points to preventing the transfer of MPs to natural ecosystems, preventing ecological risks, and protecting the health of our environment. The study's significance provides a holistic view of current solutions, challenges, and opportunities related to MP removal, contributing to more effective and sustainable environmental management practices.

Graphical Abstract