Microplastics Analysis and Characterization

Nyhet

Assessing Environmental Impact

Inbunden, Engelska, 2026

Av Nithin Chandran, Anjaly Sivadas, Sabu Thomas, Sabu (Mahatma Gandhi University) Thomas

3 269 kr

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Produktinformation

Utgivningsdatum2026-05-05
FormatInbunden
SpråkEngelska
Antal sidor688
FörlagJohn Wiley & Sons Inc
ISBN9781119906582

Tillhör följande kategorier

Miljöteknik inom Naturvetenskap och teknik
Kemi inom Naturvetenskap och teknik

Chapter 1: Microplastics – Existence and Fate in the Environment 1.Microplastics 2.Sources of plastics and microplastics in terrestrial and marine environments 3.Effects of microplastics in biological systems 4.Microplastics in atmosphere 5.Methodologies used for identification and characterisation of Microplastics 5.1Fourier transformation Infrared microscopy 5.2Raman Spectroscopy 5.3Hypersensing imaging 5.4Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM 5.5Atomic Force Microscopy 6.Recent studies on the emergence and fate of microplastics 7.Abiotic Degradation 8.Biotic degradation 9.Health effects 10.Emerging trends in the Management of microplastics 11.Challenges in Managing Microplastics Waste 12.References Chapter 2: Microplastics: Generation as Wastes and its Management and Legislation 1.Introduction 2.Generation of Microplastics 3.Microplastic Pollution 4.Harmful Effects 5.Need of the hour 6.Management of microplastics 6.1Physical methods 6.2Chemical methods 6.3Biological methods 7.Conclusion 8.References Chapter 3: How are microplastics generated? 1.Introduction 2.Microplastics: Sources and size-based terminology 3.Primary microplastics 4.Secondary microplastics 4.1Degradation of plastic debris 4.2Fragmentation 4.3The case of microfibers 5.Microplastic release under simulated environmental conditions 6.Conclusions 7.References Chapter 4: Physico-chemical properties of microplastics 1.Introduction 2.Physical properties 2.1Size 2.2 Shape 2.3Microplastics colors 2.4Surface area in Microplastics 2.5Microplastics Crystallinity 2.6Density 2.7Mechanical properties 3.Chemical properties 3.1Hydrophobicity and Solubility of Microplastics 4.Overview of the most employed methods to characterize the physicochemical properties of microplastics 4.1Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) 4.2SEM-EDS (Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy) 4.3Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) 4.4Spectroscopy Techniques 4.4.1Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) 4.4.2Raman Spectroscopy 4.5Thermal Analysis 4.6Particle Size and Analysis 4.6.1Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) 4.6.2Laser Diffraction 4.7X-Ray Techniques 4.7.1X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) 4.8Contact Angle 5.Functional Groups on Microplastics and Their Environmental Reactivity 6.Physicochemical properties Influencing Microplastic Aggregation 7.Regulations on Microplastics and the Role of Physicochemical Properties in Policy-Making and Remediation Strategies 8.References Chapter 5: Degradation Behaviours of Microplastics 1. Introduction 2.MPs degradation 2.1Biotic 2.2Abiotics 2.2.1Photodegradation of MPs 2.2.1.1Petroleum-bassed MPs 2.2.1.2Photodegradation of Biobased MPs 3.Toxicology of MPs 3.1Petroleum-based MPs 3.1.1Aquatic organisms 3.1.2Cells 3.1.3Mammalians (mice) 3.2Biobased MPs 4.Concluding and Future trends 5.References Chapter 6: Microplastic collection and sampling techniques 1.The importance of measuring 2.Diversity of matrices = Diversity of methodologies 3.Choosing the appropriate method to sample microplastics 4.Forensic science approaches to reducing cross contamination 5.Ethical considerations, innovative technologies, remote sensing, and generative artificial intelligence 6.Comparing apples with apples: the importance of harmonised reporting units 7.Perspectives of future work in research and policy 8.References Chapter 7: Microplastic Separation Techniques 1.Introduction 1.1 Types of microplastics 2.Overview of Microplastic Separation Techniques 2.1 Physical Separation Techniques 2.1.1Sieving of filtration 2.1.2Centrifugation 2.1.3Sedimentation 2.2Chemical Separation techniques 2.2.1Dissolution methods 2.2.2Density separation 2.3Biological separation techniques 2.3.1Microbial degradation 2.3.2Biodegradable polymers 3.Emerging Technologies in Microplastic Separation 3.1Microfluidic technology 3.2Nanotechnology applications 3.3Magnetic nano materials 3.4Nano coils 3.5Nanofiltration 3.6Robotics and automation in microplastic sorting 3.7Artificial intelligence-empowered collection and characterization of microplastics 4.Challenges and Future Directions in Microplastic Separation 5.Conclusion 6.References Chapter 8: Analytical techniques for microplastics characterization 1.Microscopic techniques for analysis of microplastics 1.1Scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) 1.2Atomic force microscopy (AFM) 2.Spectroscopic techniques for analysis of microplastics 2.1Energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS or EDX) 2.2Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) 2.3Raman spectroscopy 2.4Hyphenation AFM-spectroscopy 2.5Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) 3.Thermal techniques for analysis of microplastics 3.1Hyphenated TGA 4.Chromatographic techniques for analysis of microplastics 4.1Pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC-MS) 4.2Liquid chromatography (LC) 5.Other techniques for analysis of microplastics 5.1Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization – time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) 5.2Imaging flow cytometry 6.Comparison of the most analytical techniques for MPs characterization 7.References Chapter 9: Morphological and Physical Characterization of Microplastics 1.Introduction 2.Preparation of microplastics 2.1Preparation of pristine microplastics 2.2Preparation of aged microplastics 3.Characterization of microplastics 3.1Surface analysis 3.1.1Shape and morphology 3.1.2Surface charge 3.2Particle size analysis 3.2.1Microscopic methods 3.2.2Laser diffraction analysis 3.2.3Evaluation of results 3.3 Adsorption properties 3.3.1Specific surface area 3.3.2Adsorption of model compounds 4.Conclusion 5.References Chapter 10. Characterization and quantification of microplastics by spectroscopy techniques 1.Introduction 2.Spectroscopic techniques used to study the changes of physicochemical properties and the behavior of microplastics 3.Chemical characterization of microplastics from different environmental matrices 4.Vibrational spectroscopic techniques 4.1Infrared spectroscopy (IR) 4.2Raman spectroscopy 5.X-ray spectroscopic techniques 5.1X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) 5.2X-ray diffraction (XRD) 5.3X-ray fluorescence (XRF) 5.4Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) 6.Mass spectrometry (MS) 7.Summary 8.Conclusions 9.References Chapter 11: Analytical methods and characteristics of microplastics in sewage sludge, and their behavior 1.Introduction 2.Methods for the analysis of MPs in sewage and sewage sludge 2.1MPs sized 200 μm and above 2.1.1Sewage 2.1.2Sewage sludge 2.2 MPs sized 20 μm and above 2.2.1Sewage 2.2.2Sewage sludge 2.3Considerations and other analytical methods for FTIR microscopy 2.4How to compile data 3Behavior of MPs in sewage and sewage sludge treatment 3.1Differences in MPs behavior between sewage collection systems 3.2Behavior of MPs in the sewage treatment process 3.2.1Primary settlement tank 3.2.2Reaction tank 3.2.3Final settlement tank 3.2.4Advanced treatment (rapid filtration and membrane treatment equipment) 3.3MPs in sewage sludge treatment 3.3.1Thickening process 3.3.2Dewatering process 3.3.3Incineration and melting process 3.3.4Sewage sludge recycling 4Characteristics of MPs in sewage and sewage sludge treatment processes 5Study of MPs removal methods in sewage sludge treatment processes 5.1Purpose 5.2Study field 5.3Materials and methods 5.4Results and Discussion 5.5Conclusion 6MPs treatment issues in sewage treatment 7Conclusions and future perspectives 8References Chapter 12: Microplastic pollution in backwaters, major urban rivers, seas, and oceans 1.Introduction 1.1Overview of Microplastics 1.2A worldwide scenario of Microplastics in the aquatic and marine environment 2.Sources and transport pathways of MPs into the aquatic and marine environment 2.1Sources of MPs in the aquatic and marine environment 2.2Transport Pathways of MPs into the aquatic and marine environment 3.Global distribution and abundance of MPs in backwaters, major urban rivers, seas, and oceans 3.1Asia 3.2Europe 3.3North America and South America 3.4Africa 3.5Australia 3.6Polar Region 3.7Major oceans 4.Impacts of Microplastics on the aquatic and marine environment 5.Conclusion 6.References Chapter 13: Airborne Microplastics 1.Introduction 2.Sampling and analysis of airborne MPs 3.Sampling and preparation of MPs 3.1Passive sampling 3.2Active sampling 3.3Sample treatment and analysis 4.Identifying the characteristics of airborne MPs 5.Recent research findings in the study of airborne MPs 6.Implications of airborne MPs on earth and human health 7.Challenges and outlook 8.Conclusions 9.References Chapter 14: Microplastics in offshore and nearshore waters 1.Introduction 2.Sampling techniques 3.Net-based sampling methods 4.Analytical identification of MPs 5.Modes of entry of MPs into the ocean 6.MP concentrations in coastal waters 7.MP concentrations in offshore waters 8.MPs in subsurface water and in the water column 9.Circulation of MPs in the oceans 10.References Chapter 15: Microbial activity on bioplastics microparticles 1.Summary 2.Bioplastics: terminology, classification and properties 3.Bioplastics toxicity: Are they safer than conventional plastics? 4.Micro-bioplastic: formation, properties, and hazards 5.Microbial activities on micro-bioplastic surface 5.1Micro-bioplastic biodegrading microorganisms 5.2Micro-bioplastic as a surface for microbial interactions 5.3Factors influencing micro-bioplastic associated microbial activity and interactions 5.4Microbial co-culture may provoke micro(bio)plastic degradation 5.5Standard protocols for bioplastic biodegradation assessment 6.Knowledge gaps and future perspectives 7.Conclusions 8.References Chapter 16: Mitigation of microplastics impact in the environment by biobased biodegradable plastics 1.Introduction 2.Various methods to mitigate microplastics from environment 3.Bioplastics 3.1Demand of biomaterials in market 3.2Types of bioplastics 3.3Removal of microplastics by biopolymers 4.Biodegradation of microplastics 4.1General mechanism of biodegradation 4.2Biodegradation by bacteria 4.3Biodegradation by fungi 4.4Biodegradation by algae 4.5Biodegradation by enzymes 4.6Microplastic removal by marine organisms 5.Factors affecting microplastic degradation 5.1Environmental factors 5.2Other factors 6.Utilization of bioplastics 7.Most economical biodegradable plastics 8.Conclusion and future perspectives 9.References Chapter 17: MOFs for Microplastic Removal 1.Introduction 2.Microplastics: General aspects 3.MOFs: Characteristics and Synthesis 4.MOFs: adsorption, filtration, and photocatalysis 4.1Adsorption 4.2Filtration 4.3Photocatalysis 5.Concluding remarks 6.References Chapter 18: Life cycle assessment (LCA) of microplastics 1.Introduction 2.Environmental impacts of microplstics 3.Life cycle assessment 4.Reducing plastic products 4.1Waste disposal improvement 4.2Waste collection, disposal, and avoiding littering 4.3Education and awareness 4.4Recycle 5.Challenges and perspectives in microplastic LCA 6.Conclusions 7.References Chapter 19: Microplastics: Key Challenges and Future Perspectives 1.Introduction 1.1 Life cycle of microplastics 2.Future Perspectives 2.1 Emerging technologies and innovative solutions 2.2Potential long-term consequences of microplastic pollution 2.3Global efforts to address the issue 3.Key Challenges 3.1Detection and Quantification 3.1.1Sampling methods 3.1.2Analytical techniques 3.1.3Limitations and challenges 3.2Environmental persistence and transport 3.3Impact on ecosystems and human health 3.4Regulation and policy 4.Conclusion 5.Reference Chapter 20: Theoretical studies and machine learning techniques in microplastics 1. Introduction 2.Microplastics 2.1Formation of microplastics 2.2Shapes of microplastics 2.3Environmental effects of microplastics 2.3.1Toxic effects of microplastics 2.3.1.1Biological Effects in Ecosystems 2.3.1.2Chemical Pollution 2.3.1.3Toxicological Effects and Bioaccumulation 2.3.1.4Toxicity Rating 2.3.2Effects of microplastics on human health 2.4Microplastic pollution 2.4.1Biological Methods 2.4.2Chemical Methods 2.4.3Physical Methods 2.4.4Ecological Developments and Education 2.5Recycling and Reuse 3.Sources and inputs of microplastics in aquatic environments 3.1Primary sources of microplastics in aquatic environments 3.2Secondary sources of microplastics in aquatic environments 3.3Microplastic inputs in aquatic environments 4.Identification and quantification of microplastics from aquatic environs 5.Inadequacy in traditional MP identification methods and tools 6.Machine learning overview 6.1Machine learning application in identifying environmental MPs 6.1.1Neural network based MP identification 6.1.2MP identification using vector machines 6.1.3Decision tree and random forest-based MPs identification 6.1.4Principal component analysis 7.Challenges 8.Conclusion and prospects 9.References Chapter 21: Numerical simulation of microplastic deposition in circular settling tanks 1.Introduction 2.Methodology 2.1Governing equations 2.2Lagrangian sub-model 2.3Numerical model set-up and simulation scenarios 2.4Mesh sensitivity analysis 3.Results 3.1Hydrodynamics of sedimentation tank 3.2Microplastic (MP) transport in sedimentation tank 4.MP distribution 5.Conclusion 6.References Chapter 1: Microplastics – Existence and Fate in the Environment1. Microplastics2. Sources of plastics and microplastics in terrestrial and marine environments3. Effects of microplastics in biological systems4. Microplastics in atmosphere5. Methodologies used for identification and characterisation of Microplastics5.1 Fourier transformation Infrared microscopy5.2 Raman Spectroscopy5.3 Hypersensing imaging5.4 Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM5.5 Atomic Force Microscopy6. Recent studies on the emergence and fate of microplastics 7. Abiotic Degradation8. Biotic degradation9. Health effects10. Emerging trends in the Management of microplastics11. Challenges in Managing Microplastics Waste12. ReferencesChapter 2: Microplastics: Generation as Wastes and its Management and Legislation1. Introduction 2. Generation of Microplastics3. Microplastic Pollution4. Harmful Effects5. Need of the hour6. Management of microplastics6.1 Physical methods6.2 Chemical methods6.3 Biological methods7. Conclusion8. References Chapter 3: How are microplastics generated?1. Introduction2. Microplastics: Sources and size-based terminology3. Primary microplastics4. Secondary microplastics4.1 Degradation of plastic debris4.2 Fragmentation4.3 The case of microfibers5. Microplastic release under simulated environmental conditions6. Conclusions7. ReferencesChapter 4: Physico-chemical properties of microplastics1. Introduction2. Physical properties2.1 Size2.2 Shape2.3 Microplastics colors2.4 Surface area in Microplastics2.5 Microplastics Crystallinity2.6 Density2.7 Mechanical properties3. Chemical properties3.1 Hydrophobicity and Solubility of Microplastics4. Overview of the most employed methods to characterize the physicochemical properties of microplastics4.1 Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)4.2 SEM-EDS (Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy)4.3 Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM)4.4 Spectroscopy Techniques4.4.1 Fourier-TransformInfraredSpectroscopy(FTIR)4.4.2 Raman Spectroscopy4.5 Thermal Analysis4.6 ParticleSizeand Analysis4.6.1 DynamicLightScattering(DLS)4.6.2 LaserDiffraction4.7 X-Ray Techniques4.7.1 X-rayPhotoelectronSpectroscopy(XPS)4.8 ContactAngle5. Functional Groups on Microplastics and Their Environmental Reactivity6. Physicochemical properties Influencing Microplastic Aggregation7. Regulations on Microplastics and the Role of Physicochemical Properties in Policy-Making and Remediation Strategies8. ReferencesChapter 5: Degradation Behaviours of Microplastics1. Introduction2. MPs degradation2.1 Biotic2.2 Abiotics2.2.1 Photodegradation of MPs2.2.1.1 Petroleum-bassed MPs2.2.1.2 Photodegradation of Biobased MPs3. Toxicology of MPs3.1 Petroleum-based MPs3.1.1 Aquatic organisms3.1.2 Cells3.1.3 Mammalians (mice)3.2 Biobased MPs4. Concluding and Future trends5. ReferencesChapter 6: Microplastic collection and sampling techniques1. The importance of measuring2. Diversity of matrices = Diversity of methodologies3. Choosing the appropriate method to sample microplastics4. Forensic science approaches to reducing cross‑contamination5. Ethical considerations, innovative technologies, remote‑sensing, and generative artificial intelligence6. Comparing apples with apples: the importance of harmonised reporting units7. Perspectives of future work in research and policy8. ReferencesChapter 7: Microplastic Separation Techniques1. Introduction1.1 Types of microplastics2. Overview of Microplastic Separation Techniques2.1 Physical Separation Techniques2.1.1 Sieving of filtration2.1.2 Centrifugation2.1.3 Sedimentation2.2 Chemical Separation techniques2.2.1 Dissolution methods2.2.2 Density separation2.3 Biological separation techniques2.3.1 Microbial degradation2.3.2 Biodegradable polymers3. Emerging Technologies in Microplastic Separation3.1 Microfluidic technology 3.2 Nanotechnology applications3.3 Magnetic nano materials3.4 Nano coils3.5 Nanofiltration3.6 Robotics and automation in microplastic sorting3.7 Artificial intelligence-empowered collection and characterization of microplastics4. Challenges and Future Directions in Microplastic Separation5. Conclusion6. ReferencesChapter 8: Analytical techniques for microplastics characterization1. Microscopic techniques for analysis of microplastics1.1 Scanning electronic microscopy (SEM)1.2 Atomic force microscopy (AFM)2. Spectroscopic techniques for analysis of microplastics2.1 Energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS or EDX)2.2 Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR)2.3 Raman spectroscopy2.4 Hyphenation AFM-spectroscopy2.5 Hyperspectral imaging (HSI)3. Thermal techniques for analysis of microplastics3.1 Hyphenated TGA4. Chromatographic techniques for analysis of microplastics4.1 Pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC-MS)4.2 Liquid chromatography (LC)5. Other techniques for analysis of microplastics5.1 Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization – time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS)5.2 Imaging flow cytometry6. Comparison of the most analytical techniques for MPs characterization7. ReferencesChapter 9: Morphological and Physical Characterization of Microplastics1. Introduction2. Preparation of microplastics2.1 Preparation of pristine microplastics2.2 Preparation of aged microplastics3. Characterization of microplastics3.1 Surface analysis3.1.1 Shape and morphology3.1.2 Surface charge3.2 Particle size analysis3.2.1 Microscopic methods3.2.2 Laser diffraction analysis 3.2.3 Evaluation of results3.3 Adsorption properties 3.3.1 Specific surface area3.3.2 Adsorption of model compounds4. Conclusion5. ReferencesChapter 10. Characterization and quantification of microplastics by spectroscopy techniques1. Introduction2. Spectroscopic techniques used to study the changes of physicochemical properties and the behavior of microplastics3. Chemical characterization of microplastics from different environmental matrices 4. Vibrational spectroscopic techniques4.1 Infrared spectroscopy (IR)4.2 Raman spectroscopy5. X-ray spectroscopic techniques5.1 X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS)5.2 X-ray diffraction (XRD)5.3 X-ray fluorescence (XRF)5.4 Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX)6. Mass spectrometry (MS)7. Summary8. Conclusions9. References Chapter 11: Analytical methods and characteristics of microplastics in sewage sludge, and their behavior1. Introduction2. Methods for the analysis of MPs in sewage and sewage sludge2.1 MPs sized 200 μm and above2.1.1 Sewage2.1.2 Sewage sludge2.2 MPs sized 20 μm and above 2.2.1 Sewage2.2.2 Sewage sludge2.3 Considerations and other analytical methods for FTIR microscopy2.4 How to compile data3 Behavior of MPs in sewage and sewage sludge treatment3.1 Differences in MPs behavior between sewage collection systems3.2 Behavior of MPs in the sewage treatment process3.2.1 Primary settlement tank3.2.2 Reaction tank3.2.3 Final settlement tank3.2.4 Advanced treatment (rapid filtration and membrane treatment equipment) 3.3 MPs in sewage sludge treatment3.3.1 Thickening process3.3.2 Dewatering process3.3.3 Incineration and melting process3.3.4 Sewage sludge recycling4 Characteristics of MPs in sewage and sewage sludge treatment processes5 Study of MPs removal methods in sewage sludge treatment processes5.1 Purpose5.2 Study field5.3 Materials and methods5.4 Results and Discussion5.5 Conclusion6 MPs treatment issues in sewage treatment7 Conclusions and future perspectives8 ReferencesChapter 12: Microplastic pollution in backwaters, major urban rivers, seas, and oceans1. Introduction1.1 Overview of Microplastics1.2 A worldwide scenario of Microplastics in the aquatic andmarine environment2. Sources and transport pathways of MPs into the aquatic and marine environment2.1 Sources of MPs in the aquatic and marine environment2.2 Transport Pathways of MPs into the aquatic and marine environment3. Global distribution and abundance of MPs in backwaters, major urban rivers, seas, and oceans 3.1 Asia3.2 Europe3.3 North America and South America3.4 Africa3.5 Australia3.6 Polar Region3.7 Major oceans4. Impacts of Microplastics on the aquatic and marine environment5. Conclusion6. References Chapter 13: Airborne Microplastics1. Introduction2. Sampling and analysis of airborne MPs3. Sampling and preparation of MPs3.1 Passive sampling3.2 Active sampling3.3 Sample treatment and analysis4. Identifying the characteristics of airborne MPs5. Recent research findings in the study of airborne MPs6. Implications of airborne MPs on earth and human health7. Challenges and outlook8. Conclusions9. References Chapter 14: Microplastics in offshore and nearshore waters1. Introduction2. Sampling techniques3. Net-based sampling methods4. Analytical identification of MPs5. Modes of entry of MPs into the ocean6. MP concentrations in coastal waters7. MP concentrations in offshore waters8. MPs in subsurface water and in the water column9. Circulation of MPs in the oceans10. ReferencesChapter 15: Microbial activity on bioplastics microparticles1. Summary2. Bioplastics: terminology, classification and properties3. Bioplastics toxicity: Are they safer than conventional plastics?4. Micro-bioplastic: formation, properties, and hazards5. Microbial activities on micro-bioplastic surface5.1 Micro-bioplastic biodegrading microorganisms5.2 Micro-bioplastic as a surface for microbial interactions5.3 Factors influencing micro-bioplastic associated microbial activityand interactions5.4 Microbial co-culture may provoke micro(bio)plastic degradation5.5 Standard protocols for bioplastic biodegradation assessment6. Knowledge gaps and future perspectives7. Conclusions8. References Chapter 16: Mitigation of microplastics impact in the environment by biobased biodegradable plastics1. Introduction2. Various methods to mitigate microplastics from environment3. Bioplastics3.1 Demand of biomaterials in market3.2 Types of bioplastics3.3 Removal of microplastics by biopolymers4. Biodegradation of microplastics4.1 General mechanism of biodegradation4.2 Biodegradation by bacteria4.3 Biodegradation by fungi4.4 Biodegradation by algae4.5 Biodegradation by enzymes4.6 Microplastic removal by marine organisms5. Factors affecting microplastic degradation5.1 Environmental factors5.2 Other factors6. Utilization of bioplastics7. Most economical biodegradable plastics8. Conclusion and future perspectives9. References Chapter 17: MOFs for Microplastic Removal1. Introduction2. Microplastics: General aspects3. MOFs: Characteristics and Synthesis4. MOFs: adsorption, filtration, and photocatalysis4.1 Adsorption4.2 Filtration4.3 Photocatalysis5. Concluding remarks6. References Chapter 18: Life cycle assessment (LCA) of microplastics1. Introduction2. Environmental impacts of microplstics3. Life cycle assessment4. Reducing plastic products4.1 Waste disposal improvement4.2 Waste collection, disposal, and avoiding littering4.3 Education and awareness4.4 Recycle5. Challenges and perspectives in microplastic LCA6. Conclusions7. References Chapter 19: Microplastics: Key Challenges and Future Perspectives1. Introduction 1.1 Life cycle of microplastics2. Future Perspectives2.1 Emerging technologies and innovative solutions2.2 Potential long-term consequences of microplastic pollution2.3 Global efforts to address the issue3. Key Challenges3.1 Detection and Quantification3.1.1 Sampling methods3.1.2 Analytical techniques3.1.3 Limitations and challenges3.2 Environmental persistence and transport3.3 Impact on ecosystems and human health3.4 Regulation and policy4. Conclusion5. Reference Chapter 20: Theoretical studies and machine learning techniques in microplastics 1. Introduction2. Microplastics2.1 Formation of microplastics2.2 Shapes of microplastics2.3 Environmental effects of microplastics2.3.1 Toxic effects of microplastics2.3.1.1 Biological Effects in Ecosystems2.3.1.2 Chemical Pollution2.3.1.3 Toxicological Effects and Bioaccumulation2.3.1.4 Toxicity Rating2.3.2 Effects of microplastics on human health2.4 Microplastic pollution2.4.1 Biological Methods2.4.2 Chemical Methods2.4.3 Physical Methods2.4.4 Ecological Developments and Education2.5 Recycling and Reuse3. Sources and inputs of microplastics in aquatic environments3.1 Primary sources of microplastics in aquatic environments3.2 Secondary sources of microplastics in aquatic environments3.3 Microplastic inputs in aquatic environments4. Identification and quantification of microplastics from aquatic environs5. Inadequacy in traditional MP identification methods and tools6. Machine learning overview6.1 Machine learning application in identifying environmental MPs6.1.1 Neural network based MP identification6.1.2 MP identification using vector machines6.1.3 Decision tree and random forest-based MPs identification6.1.4 Principal component analysis7. Challenges8. Conclusion and prospects9. References Chapter 21: Numerical simulation of microplastic deposition in circular settling tanks1. Introduction2. Methodology2.1 Governingequations2.2 Lagrangiansub-model2.3 Numericalmodelset-upandsimulationscenarios2.4 Meshsensitivityanalysis3. Results3.1 Hydrodynamicsofsedimentationtank3.2 Microplastic (MP) transport in sedimentation tank4. MPdistribution5. Conclusion6. References