Analysis and treatment of microplastics in water treatment: research trends, perspectives and implications

Abstract

In recent years, concerns regarding the adverse effects of microplastics (MPs) on both the environment and human life have been increasingly raised. The presence of MPs in the aquatic environment and relevant treatment attracts growing attention worldwide. To address the rising concerns about public health and the regulatory pressure, numerous endeavors have been directed toward the development of effective analysis and treatment technologies for the removal of MPs from water. This review aimed to reveal recent research trends, perspectives and implications of MPs presented in the field of water treatment. First, a bibliometric analysis, including spatial and temporal trends assessment, publication and keywords analysis, was conducted to offer insights into its development history and research trends. Next, keyword analysis on recent literature was conducted to examine the temporal and categorical patterns of high-frequency research trends. Then, based on keywords analysis, the research progress and hotspots of MPs research within the domain of water treatment were discussed as four categories: sampling and detection methods for aquatic MPs, MPs as carriers of contaminants upon exposure to water environment, the ecological pollution by MPs, and technology development for MPs removal. Finally, challenges of MPs in water treatment and future implications to existing research field were also presented.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

Microplastics / Bibliometric analysis / Water treatment / Research hotspots

Highlight

	● Bibliometric analysis of microplastics in water treatment was conducted.
	● Traditional water treatment methods are inadequate for eradicating microplastics.
	● Unified standards are essential for the sampling and detection of microplastics.
	● Research regarding health hazards of microplastics composite pollution is needed.

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