Review on the Application of Novel Materials for Microplastics and Nanoplastics Removal in Drinking Water Treatment Systems

Abstract

The contamination of drinking water by microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) presents a formidable public health challenge that conventional treatment processes fail to adequately address. This review provides a systematic and critical evaluation of emerging materials engineered for MP and NP remediation, with a specific focus on drinking water treatment. Four principal classes of materials are assessed: (1) sustainable biomass-derived adsorbents, (2) advanced membrane separation technologies, (3) solar-driven photothermal systems, and (4) innovative electrochemical technologies. Fundamental removal mechanisms, material properties, and performance metrics for each class are analyzed to reveal inherent trade-offs between removal efficiency, energy consumption, cost, and technological readiness. Moreover, the analysis highlights overarching challenges to practical implementation, including scalability, long-term stability in complex water matrices, and the risk of secondary pollution. It is concluded that future progress will critically depend on the development of multifunctional hybrid systems and the strategic integration of these novel technologies into existing treatment frameworks. Ultimately, translating laboratory innovations into viable, large-scale solutions requires a concerted, multidisciplinary approach focused on material durability, cost-effectiveness, and comprehensive life cycle assessment to ensure the safety and security of global drinking water.