Microplastics: Analytical Challenges and Environmental Impacts

This book introduces the growing problem of microplastics pollution in the soil and aquatic environment and its interaction with other chemical pollutants. Further, it provides a detailed review of existing analysis techniques for characterization, separation, and quantification of microplastics including their merits and demerits with possible suggestions. Additionally, the regulatory need and actions for improving the economic and quality of plastic recycling, curbing microplastic littering, and stakeholders, researchers, and recyclers challenges are reviewed comprehensively. Priorities are identified to bridge the knowledge gaps for appropriate management of existing challenges.

Features:

Provides a comprehensive description of the fate and environmental impact of microplastics, along with various characterization methods

Overviews the interaction of microplastics with other toxic chemicals and further their transportation in environment

Explains how microplastics enter in environment and its effect on biota and human health

Analyses existing analytical techniques for characterization of microplastics

Describes societal awareness related to use of plastic and discarding

This book focusses on graduate students, researchers in environmental engineering, ecological engineering, chemical and biological engineering, plastics and material sciences/engineering, waste management. materials science.

Hyunjung "Nick" Kim is the Professor at the Department of Earth Resources & Environmental Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea. Dr. Kim received his B.S. and M.S. degrees from Hanyang University in Seoul, Korea, and Ph.D. from California, Riverside, in Chemical and Environmental Engineering. He served over twelve years in the Department of Mineral Resource and Energy Engineering of Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju. He specializes in colloidal chemistry, froth flotation, bio-hydrometallurgy, and microplastics with over ten years of academic research experience. Prof. Kim is currently serving as the Editorial Member/Associate Editor in several reputed journals. Prof. Kim has authored more than 150 refereed journal publications, several book chapters, and edited books. He has been awarded the Young Scientist award from the Industrial Minerals & Aggregates Division of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration (SME) in 2016. Prof. Kim also served as lead director of Brain Korea 21+, one of the prestigious projects of Korea.