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Co-exposure of microplastics and heavy metals in the marine environment and remediation techniques: a comprehensive review

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Abstract

Microplastics (MPs) and heavy metals are significant pollutants in the marine environment, necessitating effective remediation strategies to prevent their release into the sea through sewage and industrial effluent. This comprehensive review explores the current understanding of the co-exposure of MPs and heavy metal–enriched MPs, highlighting the need for effective remediation methods. Various mechanisms, including surface ion complexation, hydrogen bonding, and electrostatic forces, contribute to the adsorption of heavy metals onto MPs, with factors like surface area and environmental exposure duration playing crucial roles. Additionally, biofilm formation on MPs alters their chemical properties, influencing metal adsorption behaviors. Different thermodynamic models are used to explain the adsorption mechanisms of heavy metals on MPs. The adsorption process is influenced by various factors, including the morphological characteristics of MPs, their adsorption capacity, and environmental conditions. Additionally, the desorption of heavy metals from MPs has implications for their bioavailability and poses risks to marine organisms, emphasizing the importance of source reduction and remedial measures. Hybrid approaches that combine both conventional and modern technologies show promise for the efficient removal of MPs and heavy metals from marine environments. This review identifies critical gaps in existing research that should be addressed in future studies including standardized sampling methods to ensure accurate data, further investigation into the specific interactions between MPs and metals, and the development of hybrid technologies at an industrial scale. Overall, this review sheds light on the adsorption and desorption mechanisms of heavy metal–enriched MPs, underscoring the necessity of implementing effective remediation strategies.

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Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Contributions

PKV: conceptualization, literature search and screening, and writing–original draft preparation.

RA: conceptualization, literature search and screening, and writing–original draft preparation.

NA: conceptualization, literature search, and screening.

DAM: conceptualization, literature search, and screening.

VJRK: conceptualization, supervision, writing, review, and editing.

SPD: conceptualization, supervision, writing, review, and editing.

The final manuscript was read and approved by all authors.

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Correspondence to Suja Purushothaman Devipriya.

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The authors declare no competing interests.

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Responsible Editor: V.V.S.S. Sarma

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Highlights

• Plastic debris and microplastics (MPs) in oceans are increasing due to changing production trends and growing global consumption.

• Heavy metals attach to MPs through complex physical and chemical interactions, aggravated by environmental factors.

• Heavy metal–enriched MPs pose risks to marine life, the food chain, and human health, necessitating urgent removal.

• A recommended approach involves combining conventional and modern techniques for more efficient heavy metal removal from MPs.

• Future research priorities include investigating specific interactions, continuous monitoring, industrial-scale testing, and understanding smaller-sized MPs in biological systems to develop effective pollution control strategies.

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Vrinda, P.K., Amal, R., Abhirami, N. et al. Co-exposure of microplastics and heavy metals in the marine environment and remediation techniques: a comprehensive review. Environ Sci Pollut Res 30, 114822–114843 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-023-30679-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-023-30679-2

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