Volume 13, Issue 3 (Summer 2024)
Arch Hyg Sci 2024, 13(3): 97-106 |
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Ekrami H A, Kiani F, Mohammadi M J, Tahmasi S, Hormati M, Taherian M. Investigation of the Sources, Ecological Impacts, and Removal Strategies of Microplastics in Aquatic Environments. Arch Hyg Sci 2024; 13 (3) :97-106
URL: http://jhygiene.muq.ac.ir/article-1-705-en.html
URL: http://jhygiene.muq.ac.ir/article-1-705-en.html
Hafez Ajam Ekrami1 
, Fatemeh Kiani * 1, Mohammad Javad Mohammadi2 , Sima Tahmasi1 , Maryam Hormati1 , Masoume Taherian1
, Fatemeh Kiani * 1, Mohammad Javad Mohammadi2 , Sima Tahmasi1 , Maryam Hormati1 , Masoume Taherian1
1- Student Research Committee, Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
2- Environmental Technologies Research Center, Medical Basic Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran. & Air Pollution and Respiratory Diseases Research Center, Medical Basic Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
2- Environmental Technologies Research Center, Medical Basic Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran. & Air Pollution and Respiratory Diseases Research Center, Medical Basic Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
Abstract: (49 Views)
Background & Aims: Microplastics (MPs) have become a significant environmental pollutant, posing serious threats to aquatic ecosystems. The present study aimed to comprehensively examine the characteristics, sources, environmental impacts, and removal strategies of MPs in aquatic environments.
Materials and Methods: A narrative review was conducted through a systematic search across Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science, focusing on articles published between 2013 and 2024. Keywords related to microplastics, aquatic organisms, and removal methods were applied. After screening 729 retrieved articles, 56 relevant studies were selected for analysis.
Results: Microplastics originate from both primary and secondary sources, entering aquatic systems through industrial discharges, wastewater treatment plants, surface runoff, landfill leachate, and atmospheric deposition. Due to their persistence and small size, MPs are widely distributed and tend to accumulate in aquatic organisms. This accumulation can lead to various harmful physical and chemical effects, including oxidative stress, immune suppression, neurotoxicity, reduced nutrient absorption, and potential biomagnification through the food chain. To mitigate MP pollution, various removal methods have been investigated. These methods include physical approaches, such as membrane filtration, chemical treatments (e.g., advanced oxidation processes), and emerging biological methods utilizing biochar and biomaterials. Research suggests that combining different technologies can enhance removal efficiency, while biomaterials, due to their greater environmental compatibility, offer particularly promising strategies.
Conclusion: Combining technological approaches appears to improve the efficiency of microplastic removal, with biomaterials showing notable potential due to their environmental compatibility. However, it is essential to evaluate the effects and effectiveness of these methods from different technological and ecological perspectives.
Materials and Methods: A narrative review was conducted through a systematic search across Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science, focusing on articles published between 2013 and 2024. Keywords related to microplastics, aquatic organisms, and removal methods were applied. After screening 729 retrieved articles, 56 relevant studies were selected for analysis.
Results: Microplastics originate from both primary and secondary sources, entering aquatic systems through industrial discharges, wastewater treatment plants, surface runoff, landfill leachate, and atmospheric deposition. Due to their persistence and small size, MPs are widely distributed and tend to accumulate in aquatic organisms. This accumulation can lead to various harmful physical and chemical effects, including oxidative stress, immune suppression, neurotoxicity, reduced nutrient absorption, and potential biomagnification through the food chain. To mitigate MP pollution, various removal methods have been investigated. These methods include physical approaches, such as membrane filtration, chemical treatments (e.g., advanced oxidation processes), and emerging biological methods utilizing biochar and biomaterials. Research suggests that combining different technologies can enhance removal efficiency, while biomaterials, due to their greater environmental compatibility, offer particularly promising strategies.
Conclusion: Combining technological approaches appears to improve the efficiency of microplastic removal, with biomaterials showing notable potential due to their environmental compatibility. However, it is essential to evaluate the effects and effectiveness of these methods from different technological and ecological perspectives.
Type of Study: Review Article |
Subject:
Environmental Health
Received: 2024/10/30 | Accepted: 2025/04/14 | Published: 2024/10/3
Received: 2024/10/30 | Accepted: 2025/04/14 | Published: 2024/10/3
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