A review on strategies for the removal and degradation of microplastics from aquatic environments: Pros, cons, policies perspectives, and life cycle and economic assessment

Priyadarshini M., Parida V. K., Bajpai M., R E., GENGEÇ E., Seidu I., ...More

MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN, vol.227, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Review
  • Volume: 227
  • Publication Date: 2026
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2026.119489
  • Journal Name: MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Artic & Antarctic Regions, BIOSIS, Chemical Abstracts Core, Chimica, Compendex, EMBASE, Environment Index, Geobase
  • Keywords: Aquatic environment, Life cycle assessment, Microplastics, Remediation strategies, Wastewater treatment
  • Kocaeli University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Microplastics (MPs) are emerging pollutants that are prevalent in the aquatic environment due to widespread use, which is crucial to eliminate from the environment owing to their impact on humans and other organisms. Many researchers have adopted sand filtration, adsorption, and membrane technologies in the past few years to efficiently eliminate MPs from the environment. This review discusses the advantages, challenges, and practical solutions to overcome the issues associated with existing removal and degradation technologies for eliminating MPs from wastewater. A comprehensive cost analysis and pilot-scale studies implemented to date for MPs treatment are also summarised in detail in this review, which were missing in the previously published review. The policies pertaining to the management of MPs at both the Indian and International levels have been discussed. Finally, this review concludes with a brief discussion on the life cycle assessment (LCA) of these technologies, which could provide better alternative solutions to mitigate the adverse impacts of MPs on the environment and the economy. This review critically evaluates key knowledge gaps, research challenges, impact, and unresolved questions, along with future perspectives. In summary, this review offers a holistic understanding to the budding researchers and policymakers on MP pollutions and identifies sustainable technologies for their remediation by gaining insightful perspectives on potential research areas.