Advanced strategies for the detection, Removal, and degradation of microplastics: Bridging science and sustainable technologies

Abstract

Microplastic (MPs) pollution poses an escalating threat to ecosystems and human health due to its persistence, bioaccumulative nature, and ability to transport toxic contaminants. This article presents a critical and systematic review of advanced strategies for the detection, removal, and degradation of MPs in complex environmental matrices. High-resolution analytical techniques including μ-FTIR, μ-Raman, Pyr-GC/MS, and electron microscopy are evaluated in terms of their capabilities, limitations, and complementarity. Conventional physical and physicochemical treatments such as membrane filtration, coagulation-flocculation, and adsorption in porous media are discussed alongside emerging technologies, including visible-light photocatalysis, electrochemical oxidation, functionalized nanomaterials, continuous-flow systems, and modular integrated processes. The review also explores biotechnological approaches such as plastic-degrading enzymes, engineered microbial consortia, and phytoremediation, as well as thermal conversion methods like catalytic pyrolysis and gasification for energy recovery. Distinctively, this work integrates Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Techno Economic Analysis (TEA) with biotechnology and engineering perspectives, offering a holistic framework rarely addressed in previous reviews. By incorporating LCA and TEA, the review assesses both scalability and sustainability, proposing a multidisciplinary, adaptive framework for effective and long term microplastic management.