Separation of microplastics from water - What next?

Microplastics (MPs) are the ubiquitous anthropogenic pollutants that contaminate the aquatic environment severely. Different species in the maritime ecosystem may become extinct as a result of the gradual incorporation of MPs. These plastic particles are also to blame for the serious complications in human health caused by the direct ingestion of MPs-containing aquatic species. In consequence, the origin, transportation, and separation of MPs have been extensively researched. However, the question as to what will happen to such MPs that are separated from the water remained unanswered. As a result, in this article, we autopsied the whole phenomenon to answer this question and provide a favorable method of recycling these extracted MPs into commercially valuable products. A possible plan is suggested to highlight the feasibility of each step in the recycling process. Without a doubt, such a focus will aid in ensuring sustainable MPs handling methods as well as the feasible disposal of such pollutants without jeopardizing environmental safety. •The current pandemic (COVID-19) is hastening microplastics pollution of water bodies.•Microplastics can be degraded by using enzymes to extract carbon.•Microplastics can be converted into gasoline through incineration and electrochemical breaking.•Garments yarn can be made by heating and extrusion of microplastics.•Graphene can be produced by oxidizing and chemically treating microplastics.