Microplastic removal from water and wastewater by carbon-supported materials

Microplastics (MPs) in the aquatic environment, analytics and biochar-based methods for MP removal is concidered in this chapter. Quantitative and qualitative determinations of MP have improved during recent years. Based on this, MP characterization is more detailed enabling also the use of more efficient treatment methods. Among those, mechanical methods are often applied. One potential method for MP removal is adsorption over biochar or activated carbon adsorbents.

The retention of MP using carbon-based materials is a combination of many factors, such as MP surface chemistry, shape, and size. Further, water properties (saturation and ionic strength) are affecting factors. To date, biochars are an efficient filter material for MP particles. The porosity and surface charge of biochar on colloidal MP retention needs to be addressed for a better understanding of the retention mechanisms, as well as the particle or grain size and surface roughness of biochar.