Are (bio)electrochemical techniques sustainable solutions to combat micro- and nano-plastic pollution?

Abstract

In this era of extensive plastic dependency, the detrimental effects of micro- and nano-plastics (MNPs) on the ecosystem along with their pervasive nature have been drastically impacting terrestrial and aquatic life. Even though conventional treatment techniques aid in separating MNPs from water matrices, the scope for mineralizing these pollutants into nontoxic substances was fostered through the emergence of electrochemical and bioelectrochemical systems (BESs). Hence, in this manuscript, the missing links for analyzing electrochemical and BESs on the grounds of MNP mineralizing efficiency, while prioritizing economic feasibility and sustainability, are critically emphasized through life cycle analysis and techno-economic assessment. Furthermore, this opinion paper functions as a guideline for identifying the significant potential of these emerging technologies through strength–weakness–opportunity–threat analysis to overcome the current challenges and to develop economical, sustainable, and technologically efficient MNP mitigating solutions.