Industrial and Domestic Waste Management
Vol. 3 Iss. 2 (2022)

Phytoremediation of Microplastics: A Perspective on Its Practicality

Kuok Ho Daniel Tang (Department of Environmental Science, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA)



Article Info

Publish Date
21 Sep 2023

Abstract

Microplastics have permeated all parts of the environment, rendering their removal essential. Numerous strategies ranging from the physical removal of mismanaged plastic items to the biodegradation of microplastics with microorganisms and biocatalysts have been proposed to alleviate microplastic pollution. Phytoremediation is one of the plastic-removing strategies, but it has not received much attention. This perspective paper aims to review the phytoremediation of microplastics and discuss its practicality. The paper shows that plants could act as interceptors and a temporary sink of microplastics by facilitating their deposition, adsorbing them, trapping them in the root zone, enabling them to cluster on the roots, taking them up, translocating them, and accumulating them in various plant parts. However, there was a lack of evidence pointing to the degradation of microplastics after they were adsorbed, taken up, and stored. Weak adsorption and environmental factors may cause the trapped microplastics to desorb, resuspend, or evade, thus also making plants a source of microplastics. The microplastics trapped and accumulated in plants may be transferred to the higher trophic levels of the food chain through ingestion and raise concerns over their ecotoxicities. Unlike localized pollution, microplastic pollution is widespread, which limits the applicability of phytoremediation. Besides, microplastics could adversely impact plant health and the ability of plants to remove other environmental pollutants. These drawbacks may reduce the attractiveness of phytoremediation unless it can be effectively combined with bioremediation to degrade microplastics.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

idwm

Publisher

Subject

Chemical Engineering, Chemistry & Bioengineering Civil Engineering, Building, Construction & Architecture Engineering Environmental Science

Description

The journal is intended to provide a platform for research communities from different disciplines to disseminate, exchange and communicate all aspects of industrial and domestic waste management. The topics of this journal include, but are not limited to: Address waste management policy, education, ...