Green Chemistry Strategies for Mitigating Microplastic Pollution in Aquatic Environments

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.69930/ajer.v1i2.67

Keywords:

Sustainability, Green Chemistry, Pollution, Environment, Microplastics

Abstract

Microplastic pollution poses a growing threat to aquatic ecosystems. This review explores green chemistry strategies for mitigating this issue. The focus is on preventing microplastic generation at the source. Strategies include designing plastic products for reusability and recyclability, developing biodegradable plastics, and utilizing alternative materials. Improved wastewater treatment processes to capture microplastics before they enter aquatic environments are addressed. Biodegradable plastics and microplastic capture methods in wastewater treatment facilities are highlighted as promising green solutions.  Green chemistry principles are emphasized throughout, highlighting the importance of environmentally friendly solutions. By implementing these strategies, we can significantly reduce microplastic pollution and protect our precious water resources.

References

Li, Z., Yang, Y., Chen, X., He, Y., Bolan, N., Rinklebe, J., Lam, S. S., Peng, W., & Sonne, C. (2024). Occurrence, transport, and toxicity of microplastics in tropical food chains. Environmental Science and Pollution Research International, 1-5. doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.137637

Koelmans, B., Pahl, S., Backhaus, T., Bessa, F., van Calster, G., Contzen, N., Cronin, R., Galloway, T., Hart, A., Henderson, L., & Wyles, K. (2019). A scientific perspective on microplastics in nature and society. SAPEA. doi: 10.26356/microplastics

Woychik, R. (2024, May). Microplastics’ knowns, unknowns discussed by a physician-scientist. Environmental Factor. Retrieved from https://factor.niehs.nih.gov/2024/5/feature/4-feature-microplastics-and-nanoplastics

Angnunavuri, S. R., & Smith, M. (2020). Microplastics: A review of sources, effects, and management strategies. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 27(10), 1-12. doi: 10.1007/s11356-020-10251-4

Ghosh, S., Sinha, J. K., Ghosh, S., Vashisth, K., Han, S., & Bhaskar, R. (2023). Microplastics as an emerging threat to the global environment and human health. Sustainability, 15(14), 10821. doi: 10.3390/su151410821

Barrick, A., Champeau, O., Chatel, A., Manier, N., Northcott, G., & Tremblay, L. A. (2021). Plastic additives: Challenges in ecotox hazard assessment. PeerJ, 9, e11300. doi: 10.7717/peerj.11300

Alero, M., Godoy, V., Quesada, L., & Martín-Lara, M. Á. (2021). Green strategies for microplastics reduction. Current Opinion in Green and Sustainable Chemistry, 28, 100442. doi: 10.1016/j.cogsc.2020.100442

Picó, Y., & Barceló, D. (2021). Analysis of microplastics and nanoplastics: How green are the methodologies used? Current Opinion in Green and Sustainable Chemistry, 31, 100503. doi: 10.1016/j.cogsc.2021.100503

Du, S., Zhu, R., Cai, Y., Xu, N., Yap, P. S., Zhang, Y., He, Y., & Zhang, Y. (2021). Environmental fate and impacts of microplastics in aquatic ecosystems: A review. RSC Advances, 11(26), 15762-15784. doi: 10.1039/d1ra00880c

Corinaldesi, C., Canensi, S., Dell’Anno, A., et al. (2021). Multiple impacts of microplastics can threaten marine habitat-forming species. Communications Biology, 4, 431. doi: 10.1038/s42003-021-01961-1

Moore, C. (2024, April 19). Plastic pollution. Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/science/plastic-pollution

Torres-Agullo, A., Karanasiou, A., Moreno, T., & Lacorte, S. (2021). Overview on the occurrence of microplastics in air and implications from the use of face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic. Science of The Total Environment, 800, 149555. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149555

Sun, J., Dai, X., Wang, Q., van Loosdrecht, M. C. M., & Ni, B. J. (2019). Microplastics in wastewater treatment plants: Detection, occurrence and removal. Water Research, 152, 21-37. doi: 10.1016/j.watres.2018.12.050

Ragoobur, D., Huerta-Lwanga, E., & Somaroo, G. D. (2021). Microplastics in agricultural soils, wastewater effluents and sewage sludge in Mauritius. Science of The Total Environment, 798, 149326. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149326

Kumar, A., & Krishan, G. (2024). Microplastic pollutants in aquatic ecosystems: Present and future challenges. Water, 16, 102. doi: 10.3390/w16010102

Gross, R. A., & Kalra, B. (2002). Biodegradable polymers for the environment. Science, 297(5582), 803-807. doi: 10.1126/science.297.5582.803

Kurowiak, J., Klekiel, T., & Będziński, R. (2023). Biodegradable polymers in biomedical applications: A review—developments, perspectives and future challenges. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 24(23), 16952. doi: 10.3390/ijms242316952

Baranwal, J., Barse, B., Fais, A., Delogu, G. L., & Kumar, A. (2022). Biopolymer: A sustainable material for food and medical applications. Polymers, 14, 983. doi: 10.3390/polym14050983

Vroman, I., & Tighzert, L. (2009). Biodegradable polymers. Materials (Basel), 2(2), 307-344. doi: 10.3390/ma2020307

Gamage, S., & Mahagamage, Y. (2024). Microplastics in personal care products and cosmetics in Sri Lanka. Heliyon, 10(8), e29393. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29393

Merino, D., Zych, A., & Athanassiou, A. (2022). Plasticizers and the effects of migration into food. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 14(41), 46920-46931. doi: 10.1021/acsami.2c10965

Maddela, N. R., Kakarla, D., Venkateswarlu, K., & Megharaj, M. (2023). Additives of plastics: Entry into the environment and potential risks to human and ecological health. Journal of Environmental Management, 348, 119364. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119364

Landrigan, P. J., et al. (2023). The Minderoo-Monaco Commission on Plastics and Human Health. Annals of Global Health, 89(1), 23. doi: 10.5334/aogh.4056

Kola, V., & Carvalho, I. S. (2023). Plant extracts as additives in biodegradable films and coatings in active food packaging. Food Bioscience, 54, 102860. doi: 10.1016/j.fbio.2023.102860

Tokiwa, Y., & Ugwu, C. U. (2007). Biotechnological production of (R)-3-hydroxybutyric acid monomer. Journal of Biotechnology, 132, 264-272.

Tokiwa, Y., Calabia, B. P., Ugwu, U., & Aiba, S. (2008). Biological production of functional chemicals from renewable resources. Canadian Journal of Chemistry, 86, 548-555.

Tokiwa, Y., Calabia, B., Ugwu, U., & Aiba, S. (2009). Biodegradability of plastics. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 10, 3722-3742. doi: 10.3390/ijms10093722

Bai, X., Dinkla, I. J. T., & Muyzer, G. (2022). Microbial ecology of biofiltration used for producing safe drinking water. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, 106(13-16), 4813-4829. doi: 10.1007/s00253-022-12013-x

Rolewicz-Kalinska, A., Lelicinska-Serafin, K., & Manczarski, P. (2021). Volatile organic compounds, ammonia and hydrogen sulphide removal using a two-stage membrane biofiltration process. Chemical Engineering Research and Design, 165, 69-80.

Ekpan, F. M., Ori, M. O., Samuel, H. S., & Egwuatu, O. P. (2024). Emerging technologies for eco-friendly production of bioethanol from lignocellulosic waste materials. Eurasian Journal of Science and Technology, 4(3), 179-194. doi: 10.48309/ejst.2024.429106.1119

Lee, J., & Marrocchi, A. (2024). Advances in green chemistry and engineering. Scientific Reports, 14, 3133. doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-53594-z

Ghosh, S., Sinha, J. K., Ghosh, S., Vashisth, K., Han, S., & Bhaskar, R. (2023). Microplastics as an emerging threat to the global environment and human health. Sustainability, 15(14), 10821. doi: 10.3390/su151410821

Samuel, H. S., & Etim, E. E. (2023). Water quality evaluation of Abakpa River in Ogoja Local Government Area Cross River State. Medical & Analytical Chemistry International Journal, 7(2), 000186. doi: 10.23880/macij-16000186

Calero, M., Godoy, V., Quesada, L., & Martín-Lara, M. Á. (2021). Green strategies for microplastics reduction. Current Opinion in Green and Sustainable Chemistry, 28, 100442. doi: 10.1016/j.cogsc.2020.100442

Ori, M., Ekpan, F., Samuel, H., & Egwuatu, O. (2024). Emerging co-cultivation strategies for microalgal biomass and biodiesel production. Progress in Chemical and Biochemical Research, 7(2), 198-224. doi: 10.48309/pcbr.2024.425990.1317

Downloads

Published

2024-08-30

How to Cite

Samuel, H., Makong, F.-D., & Ori, M. (2024). Green Chemistry Strategies for Mitigating Microplastic Pollution in Aquatic Environments. Asian Journal of Environmental Research, 1(2), 73–82. https://doi.org/10.69930/ajer.v1i2.67