Recent Advances in Microplastics Removal from Water with Special Attention Given to Photocatalytic Degradation: Review of Scientific Research

Microplastic pollution has become a global environmental concern with detrimental effects on ecosystems and human health. Effective removal of microplastics from water sources is crucial to mitigate their impacts. Advanced oxidative processes (AOPs) have emerged as promising strategies for the degradation elimination microplastics. This review provides comprehensive overview application AOPs in water. Various AOPs, such photocatalysis, ozonation, Fenton-like processes, shown significant potential microplastic degradation. These generate highly reactive species, hydroxyl radicals, which can break down into smaller fragments or even mineralize them harmless byproducts. The efficiency photocatalytic oxidation depends several factors, including choice photocatalysts, reaction conditions, physicochemical properties Furthermore, this discusses challenges associated oxidation, need optimization operating parameters formation harmful Overall, offers avenue water, contributing preservation aquatic safeguarding However, further research needed address limitations optimize implementation process effective sustainable remediation.