Release and Fate of Microplastics in Groundwater and Nanotechnology Approaches to Control and Remediation of Pollution Sources

Today, microplastics are considered an emerging pollutant due to their high stability in the environment and inherent toxicity, making them a significant global concern, particularly in soil and groundwater. Living organisms can easily ingest microplastics, leading to bioaccumulation and causing acute and chronic harm, as well as carcinogenicity, developmental problems, and genotoxicity. . The stability and biological dose of microplastics are important factors that play an important role in their toxicity and risk level. Microplastics enter the soil and groundwater environment from various sources, including the atmosphere, interactions with surface water bodies, urban infrastructure, or agricultural soils. Studies show that mechanical, physical, chemical, and biological transport processes can influence the dynamics and behavior of microplastics in the soil and groundwater environments. Due to their hydrophobic nature, high adsorption capacity, and large surface area, microplastics act as adsorbents and activators of other pollutants, leading to the proliferation of contamination. Therefore, the remediation of contaminated resources is essential for protecting the ecosystem and human health using innovative materials and technologies. Nanotechnology plays a significant role as a comprehensive approach in three areas: absorption, membrane processes, and photocatalytic degradation of microplastics. In addition to contaminated environment reclamation, a sustainable approach to reducing, reusing, and recycling plastic waste is necessary. Strategies to manage microplastic pollution in groundwater require a holistic approach that includes legislation, stakeholder engagement, research, and awareness-raising in developed and developing countries, with an emphasis on reducing microplastics at the source, improving waste management, and promoting responsible use of plastics.