What About These Microplastics? Advantages, Disadvantages, and Sustainability of Filtration Membranes for Removing Microlitter from Wastewater

Abstract

The topic of microplastics is increasingly appearing in scientific publications and is being raised by many. Primary and secondary sources of microplastics are analyzed. Asking ourselves how to act to reduce its emissions into the environment is an important issue. One process that enables the capture of microplastics is wastewater treatment. The involvement of membrane processes for these purposes is an idea that is gaining in importance. The membrane used must have the right characteristics and mass production potential. Deciding factors are the material from which it will be made, how it will be made, and what type of filtration it will be used for. There is an emerging trend for membranes made from sustainable and renewable materials such as cellulose or chitosan, their derivatives, and others. This manuscript discusses the advantages and shortcomings of membrane production and disposal methods. It has been postulated that decomposition-promoting microorganisms are needed to accelerate degradation. In every mentioned step the impact on the environment should be considered. Bio-based and sustainable resources are our future and we have focused on them these days.