International Journal of Science, Engineering and TechnologyAuthors: Prateek Srivastava, Prishita Singh, Abhishek Kumar Sharma
Abstract: Microplastic pollution poses a growing threat to freshwater habitats, impacting aquatic life and ecological balance. Conventional removal methods are often tended to be expensive and ineffective, prompting interest in environment friendly and sustainable alternatives. This review highlights the potential of aquatic macrophytes as natural biofilters for microplastic remediation. It covered the sources and characteristics of microplastics influencing their interaction with plants, and the primary removal mechanisms, including physical entrapment, surface adsorption, and root-mediated retention. It emphasizes the role that rhizosphere and biofilm microbial communities play in aggregation and degradation processes. Aspects that impact removal efficiency are being examined, including plant morphology, microplastic properties, and water factors. The ecological implications and potential risks of microplastic–macrophyte interactions are also considered. Finally, significant research gaps are identified, highlighting the need for long-term, field-based, and integrative studies. Overall, macrophytes offer a promising, sustainable approach for mitigating microplastic contamination in freshwater environments.
DOI: http://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17432321
