Removal Mechanisms of Polyethylene, Polypropylene, Polyvinyl Chloride, Polyamide (Nylon), Polystyrene and Polyethylene Terephthalate in Wastewater Treatment Plants by Chemical, Photocatalytic, Biodegradation and Hybrid Processes

Abstract

In this review study, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyamide (nylon) (PA), polystyrene (PS) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET); Removal mechanisms through chemical, photocatalytic, biodegradation and hybrid were investigated in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Plastic products are used in almost all aspects of our daily life. Due to their low cost, portability, durability and resistance to degradation, these plastic products affect the health of the environment and biota on a global scale. Therefore, the removal and mineralization of microplastics (MP) is an important necessity in the 21st century. The prevalence of MPs in aquatic ecosystems due to their high degradation resistance and bioaccumulation; It has become an important environmental problem in recent years. Plastic wastes; Gradual discharge, specific removal techniques, inadequate standard detection methods, and slow destruction rates of MPs lead to the ubiquity of these wastes. Evidence shows that MPs act as a potential vector by adsorbing different heavy metals, pathogens, and other chemical additives widely used in different raw plastic production. MPs are ingested by aquatic creatures such as fish and different crustaceans, and finally, people ingest them at the tertiary level of the food chain. With this phenomenon, MPs are responsible for the blockage of the digestive tract, the disruption of digestive behavior and, finally, the reduction of reproductive development of all living organisms. After all, MPs; has become an emerging potential threat and a source of increasing concern; This situation urgently requires the control of MPs in aquatic environments. Similar studies in the literature; It was evaluated in order to shed light on different studies that can be done on this subject in the future.