Micro(nano)plastic-mediated water ecological risks and control technologies

Undergoing physical and biological degradation, plastic debris breaks down into micro and nano-scale particles, known as micro(nano)plastics (M/NPs), substantially entering and widely spreading in different water environments. M/NPs can be ingested by the microorganisms, gradually accumulated along the food web and finally accessible to human beings, thereby threatening the environmental and human health. This chapter provides a comprehensive summary of the ecological risks posed by M/NPs to micro and macro-aquatic organisms and delves into their potential impacts on human health. Finally, we highlight the advances in M/NPs removal from different water environments, including seawater, natural water, wastewater, and drinking water. Overall, M/NPs exert dose-dependent effects on the microorganisms, lower levels of M/NPs are more likely to promote the survival and growth of bacteria, fungi, phytoplankton and plankton. Accumulation of M/NPs is always harmful for macro-plants, animals and human beings, while the mathematical models are still inadequate and under development for quantifying human exposure and health risks. Various physicochemical treatments in the engineered water systems, such as coagulation-flocculation-sedimentation and membrane separation, can effectively remove or degrade M/NPs. From the perspective of policy and resource recycle, more relevant standards and strategies are in urgent need.