Flotation separation of microplastics in water:Principle,effect,mechanism and regulation
Flotation technology offers an effective method for separating microplastics(MPs)from water.The process involves the adhesion of fine air bubbles and MP particles,forming bubble-particle combinations with a lower apparent density than water,which results in their floatation to the surface.This study examines the principles,methods,and characteristics of flotation,traces its classification and application,provides a systematic explanation of the interactions between bubbles and MP particles during flotation,compares the differences in the efficiency of removing MPs between traditional air flotation and enhanced air flotation,discusses the effects of the properties of air bubbles and MPs on flotation based on the principle of flotation,and elucidates how environmental conditions of water affect the separation efficiency of MPs.