Researchers investigated the efficiency of sand filtration concerning varying initial concentrations of NPLs with different surface functionalities. Our research tested a sand filtration system to simulate the sand filter process in a drinking water treatment plan, considering similar porous media and velocities. The retention efficiencies of NPLs were ranked based on their surface functionalities, revealing interesting patterns such as the reversibility of the adsorption process when surfactants are introduced into the system. The observed anti-correlation between NPL aggregate fractal dimensions and retention efficiency adds an additional layer of complexity to our understanding of the interactions within sand filtration systems. The presence of nanoplastics in the Earth's natural compartments represents a major environmental and health challenge. It is important to study their behavior, fate and ecotoxicity as far as possible. This is what researchers aim to do every day.