The omnipresence of plastics in our modern lives has precipitated a global environmental challenge,

manifested prominently in the form of microplastics (MPs). Since the middle of the 20th century, the world
has witnessed an unprecedented surge in plastic production, soaring to a staggering 367 million tonnes [1].
This surge, fueled by the desirable traits of plastics such as pliability, lightweight nature, durability, and
cost-effectiveness, has ingrained plastic into every facet of our daily routines [2]. However, the
environmental repercussions of this pervasive material have become increasingly apparent, with only about
14% of plastics being recycled, leaving the majority to undergo incineration, landfills, or littering [1]. The
consequence? A burgeoning mass of microplastics, defined as fine plastic fragments measuring less than 5
mm, infiltrating ecosystems across the globe [3].
The environmental journey of microplastics begins with the fragmentation, weathering, and degradation of
larger plastic waste, particularly in the oceans, freshwater bodies, soil, atmosphere, and even groundwater
[5–9]. Despite the existence of primary microplastics in personal care, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical
products, the overwhelming majority stems from the breakdown of larger plastic waste [4]. The scale of the
issue is exemplified by the detection of microplastics in various environmental matrices, including but not
limited to Taihu Lake and Qinghai Lake in China, with particle abundances ranging from 0.01 to 6.8 × 106
particles/km² [10,11].
Microplastics, once an environmental concern primarily relegated to scientific discourse, have breached the
human sphere, with studies revealing their presence in drinking water, human feces, and even baby placentas
[13–16]. This newfound awareness has propelled microplastics into the limelight as emerging pollutants,
demanding urgent attention and the development of effective removal technologies for pollution abatement.
Recognizing the crux of the issue, the removal of microplastics from aquatic environments has become a
pivotal focus in the battle against pollution. A myriad of contaminant control technologies, predominantly in
the laboratory stage, have been developed for microplastics removal [17–20]. These encompass coagulation,
adsorption, magnetic separation, membrane filtration, photodegradation, and the exploration of wastewater
treatment plants (WWTP) and drinking water treatment plants (DWTP) [21–26]. The majority of WWTPs,
although not initially designed to target microplastics, have demonstrated the potential to remove over 90%
of these minuscule particles during water treatment processes [3,27,28]. However, the sheer volume of water
treatment means a substantial amount of microplastics can still be discharged into the environment through
DWTPs.
As the scientific community grapples with the efficiency and applicability of microplastics removal
technologies, sustainability concerns are increasingly taking center stage. The environmental ramifications
of these technologies, including energy consumption and potential secondary pollution from additive
chemicals, are coming under scrutiny. Despite numerous studies analyzing the efficiency and influencing
factors of microplastics removal technologies, there remains a distinct lack of comprehensive reviews
summarizing the progress from a green and sustainable perspective [29–32].
This review aims to fill that void, providing a synthesis of recent advancements in microplastics removal
technologies. It endeavors to evaluate and compare existing technologies, with a specific focus on
environmental friendliness and sustainability. By delving into the green and sustainable aspects of
microplastics removal, the review seeks to analyze the development perspectives of these technologies and
outline potential green strategies for the future. The objective is to contribute to the ongoing dialogue
surrounding the urgent need for environmentally conscious solutions to combat the pervasive issue of
microplastics in water sources.
In the quest for sustainable solutions, several innovative approaches have emerged to tackle the challenge of
microplastics. Techniques such as coagulation, adsorption, magnetic separation, membrane filtration, and
photodegradation offer promising avenues for environmentally friendly microplastics removal [21–25]. The
review will critically assess the effectiveness and ecological impact of these technologies, shedding light on
their potential to pave the way for a greener and cleaner aquatic environment.
Looking ahead, the integration of green and sustainable strategies into microplastics removal technologies
holds the key to addressing this global concern. With a focus on balancing efficiency, environmental impact,
and cost-effectiveness, the scientific community strives to forge a path toward a future where water sources
are free from the insidious grip of microplastics. In the subsequent sections, we will delve into the intricacies
of these removal techniques, unraveling their potential and limitations, and charting a course towards a more
sustainable and ecologically conscious approach to combatting microplastics pollution.