Does Electrocoagulation Provide an Efficient Solution for Removing Microplastics from Synthetic Seawater?

Microplastics (< 5 mm) are widely present in seawater due to extensive plastic use, thus posing a serious risk to marine ecosystems.Electrocoagulation has emerged as an effective removal method, with its success influenced by particle properties and operational parameters.In this study, electrocoagulation was used to remove glitter-type microplastics from synthetic seawater.Particle size was determined using optical microscopy, and seawater composition was characterised by XRF analysis.Removal efficiency was evaluated using aluminium electrodes (AA6063), with a spacing of 2.5 cm, a constant current of 0.3 A, pH values of 5.5-7.5, and a treatment duration of 15-120 min.Removal efficiency increased with treatment duration and reached 62.5 %, 84.14 %, 75.82 %, and 77.12 % after 0.5 h, 1 h, 1.5 h, and 2 h, respectively.Optimal conditions were achieved after one hour, when a maximum efficiency of 84 % was recorded at pH 5.95 and salinity 28.9 ppt.The results confirm the potential of electrocoagulation, and contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms of microplastic removal from synthetic seawater.