The widespread presence of microplastics in aquatic ecosystems has raised significant environmental concerns,
with implications for both wildlife and human health. This review evaluates the effectiveness of various
adsorbent materials for removing microplastics and nanoplastics from water sources. It focuses on adsorbents
such as activated carbon, bioadsorbents, and advanced nanomaterials, exploring their adsorption capacities,
efficiency, and surface properties. Key factors, such as pore size, surface charge, and environmental parameters
(temperature, pH), that affect removal efficiency are examined. The mechanisms underlying adsorption,
including electrostatic interactions, hydrogen bonding, and hydrophobic forces, are discussed in detail. Addi
tionally, the review addresses the challenges related to adsorbent regenerability and scalability for large-scale
applications. Although various adsorbents show promise, future research must prioritize improving the sus
tainability and efficiency of these materials while minimizing environmental risks associated with their use. The
development of biodegradable and cost-effective adsorbents will be crucial for addressing the growing issue of
microplastic contamination in water.