Occurrence and distribution of microplastics in wastewater treatment plant in a tropical region of China. (15th May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bao, Ruiqi; Wang, Zezheng; Qi, Huaiyuan; Mehmood, Tariq; Cai, Minggang; Zhang, Yumeng; Yang, Runlan; Peng, Licheng; Liu, Fengjiao
• Is Part Of: Journal of cleaner production. Volume 349(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-05-15
• Subjects: Microplastic -- Removal efficiency -- Seasonal variation -- Tropical area -- Wastewater treatment plant; Factory and trade waste -- Management -- Periodicals; Manufactures -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Déchets industriels -- Gestion -- Périodiques; Usines -- Aspect de l'environnement -- Périodiques; 628.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2022.131454
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-6526

Abstract

Abstract: Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs) are one of the main contributors to microplastics (MPs) in the environment. However, most of the current studies only reported the occurrence of MPs in WWTPs and rarely focused on the transfer and removal of MPs at each process unit. This work explores the MPs removal efficiency of a tropical urban WWTP during dry and rainy periods. The sewage and sludge samples were collected and analyzed to measure the MPs characteristics using a stereo-microscope and μ-FTIR techniques. Results showed the secondary treatment step eliminated most of the MPs, with an average concentration of 12.98 n/L in the effluent, indicating a 94.09% of total MPs removal rate. Throughout the sewage treatment stage, the most common MPs were black, small in size (25–380 mm), and identified as fibers. Moreover, the concentration of MPs in the effluent was higher in the rainy period compared to the dry period and some control strategies for MPs pollution in WWTPs are offered according to the results of this study. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: PET and PE had the highest abundance in wastewater and sludge, respectively. MPs in sewage was reduced by 94.09% as average with wastewater treatment process. Higher abundance of MPs was observed during the rainy season. Massive accumulation of MPs in sludge may pose environmental risks. Suitable treating measures for microplastics were suggested.