Nano enabled microplastic remediation in wastewater systems Me 2026 Next Ma

Microplastics (MPs) persist in wastewater treatment systems due to size-selective limitations of conventional processes that primarily redistribute rather than eliminate small particles. Nano-enabled remediation strategies have emerged as promising complements to existing infrastructure; however, translation beyond laboratory studies remains constrained by fragmented evaluation metrics, limited recovery benchmarking, and insufficient integration analysis. This review critically synthesises nano-enabled MP removal strategies through mechanistic, operational, and lifecycle lenses. Interfacial interaction pathways, including electrostatic attraction, hydrophobic affinity, hetero-aggregation, and photocatalytic surface reactions, are examined alongside recovery engineering metrics, including magnetic capture efficiency, regeneration stability, and energy intensity. A normalised performance comparison reveals substantial variability in particle size ranges, wastewater matrix complexity, and continuous-flow validation across studies. To bridge the gap between material innovation and scalable deployment, an Interaction – Recovery – Risk (IRR) framework is proposed that integrates understanding of the risks and scalability involved.