Evaluation of Chemical Treatment Technologies for Microplastic Removal from Contaminated Water Systems

Abstract

Microplastic pollution has emerged as a critical environmental concern due to the increasing accumulation of plastic particles in aquatic ecosystems and drinking water resources. Microplastics, generally defined as plastic particles smaller than 5 mm, originate from a wide range of primary and secondary sources, including industrial discharges, domestic wastewater, textile fibres, personal care products, packaging materials, and degradation of larger plastic debris. Their persistence, mobility, and ability to adsorb toxic contaminants have raised significant concerns regarding environmental sustainability and public health. Conventional wastewater treatment systems are capable of removing a substantial proportion of microplastics; however, considerable quantities continue to escape into natural water bodies. Consequently, there is an urgent need to evaluate advanced treatment technologies capable of efficiently removing or degrading microplastic contaminants before their release into the environment.

The present study investigates the effectiveness of various chemical treatment technologies for the removal of microplastics from contaminated water systems. The research evaluates coagulation–flocculation processes, advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), photocatalytic degradation, electrochemical oxidation, and membrane filtration technologies. The study examines removal efficiencies, operational conditions, treatment mechanisms, environmental feasibility, and comparative performance of different treatment approaches. Laboratory-scale experiments were designed to simulate microplastic-contaminated water systems under controlled conditions. Representative polymer types including polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, and polystyrene were selected for experimental evaluation.

The findings indicate that coagulation–flocculation technologies effectively remove suspended microplastic particles through particle aggregation and sedimentation mechanisms. Advanced oxidation processes contribute to polymer degradation through the generation of highly reactive hydroxyl radicals. Photocatalytic systems employing semiconductor catalysts demonstrate promising degradation potential under ultraviolet and visible light irradiation. Electrochemical treatment processes facilitate oxidation and fragmentation of plastic polymers, while membrane filtration systems exhibit the highest physical removal efficiencies among evaluated technologies. Comparative analysis suggests that integrated treatment systems combining multiple technologies provide superior performance compared to individual approaches.

The study concludes that chemical treatment technologies can significantly reduce microplastic contamination in wastewater and surface water systems. However, treatment efficiency depends upon particle size, polymer composition, operational conditions, and treatment design. The research contributes to the development of sustainable strategies for microplastic pollution control and provides valuable insights for environmental engineers, policymakers, and water resource managers.