Open Access
REVIEW
Review of Microplastic Pollution in the Environment and Emerging Recycling Solutions
Gregory Reimonn1, Taofeng Lu1, Neeti Gandhi2, Wan-Ting Chen1,*
1 Department of Plastic Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA, 01854, USA.
2 School of Chemical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47906, USA.
* Corresponding Author: Wan-Ting Chen. Email: .
Journal of Renewable Materials 2019, 7(12), 1251-1268. https://doi.org/10.32604/jrm.2019.08055
Abstract
Microplastic pollution represents a side-effect stemming from a global
plastic waste mismanagement problem and includes degraded particles or mass
produced plastic particles less than 5 mm in largest dimension. The small nature
of microplastics gives this area of pollution different environmental concerns than
general plastic waste in the environment. The biological toxicity of particles, their
internal components, and their surface level changes all present opportunities for
these particles to adversely affect the environment around them. Thus, it is
necessary to review the current literature surrounding this topic and identify areas
where the study of microplastic can be pushed forward. Here we present current
methods in studying microplastics, some of the ways by which microplastics affect
the environment and attempt to shed light on how this research can continue. In
addition, we review current recycling methods developing for the processing of
mixed-plastic waste. These methods, including hydrothermal processing and
solvent extraction, provide a unique opportunity to separate plastic waste and
improve the viability of the plastics recycling industry.
Keywords
Cite This Article
Reimonn, G., Lu, T., Gandhi, N., Chen, W. (2019). Review of Microplastic Pollution in the Environment and Emerging Recycling Solutions.
Journal of Renewable Materials, 7(12), 1251–1268.
Citations