We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Transformations of Microplastics in Biosolids Through Hydrothermal Carbonization: A Morphological SEM Study
Summary
Researchers investigated the transformation of microplastics in biosolids subjected to Hydrothermal Carbonization (HTC) at 200-220 °C using scanning electron microscopy, finding that the process altered MP morphology and distribution, demonstrating HTC as a promising approach for reducing microplastic contamination in biosolids.
Hydrothermal Carbonization (HTC) has emerged as a promising technology for treating biosolids. Recently, HTC has gained significant attention in mitigating Microplastic contamination [1]. This study investigates the impact of HTC on the morphology and distribution of Microplastics in biosolids by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) as a key analytical tool. Biosolid samples were subjected to HTC at three different temperatures: 200, 210, and 220 °C and autogenous pressure to assess the structural transformations of Microplastic. Polymer particles were extracted by 15% H2O2 chemical digestion, separated by density using saturated CaCl2 solution and filtered by anodic alumina membrane microfilters. It has been proven that the HTC process causes significant morphological alterations in Microplastics, which are dependent on the severity of the HTC process parameters [1]. Based on previous research, higher temperatures (>220 °C) promote the decomposition and embrittlement of Microplastics the most, reducing particle size and affecting their chemical composition [2]. In this study, the SEM analysis was applied to assess morphological changes, as it can be used to evaluate Microplastic transformations under hydrothermal conditions [3]. After that, the interaction between Microplastics and biosolid matrices during HTC was explored, highlighting the encapsulation and immobilisation of residual particles in hydrochars. This study contributes to the understanding of Microplastic behaviour under hydrothermal conditions and supports the adoption of HTC as an innovative solution for the management of sewage sludge.Acknowledgements: This research project was supported by the programme "Excellence Initiative – Research University" for the AGH University of Krakow, Poland. The research was partially supported by Research Subsidy AGH 16.16.210.476.References:[1] Prus, Z., Wilk, M. Microplastics in Sewage Sludge: Worldwide Presence in Biosolids, Environmental Impact, Identification Methods and Possible Routes of Degradation, Including the Hydrothermal Carbonization Process. Energies 2024, 17, 4219. https://doi.org/10.3390/en17174219[2] Xu, Z., Bai, X. Microplastic Degradation in Sewage Sludge by Hydrothermal Carbonization: Efficiency and Mechanisms. Chemosphere 2022, 297, 134203. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.134203[3] Akaniro, I. R., Zhang, R., Tsang, C. H. M., Wang, P., Yang, Z., & Zhao, J. Exploring the potential of hydrothermal treatment for microplastics removal in digestate. ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering 2024, 12, 38, 14187–14199. https://doi.org/10.1021/acssuschemeng.4c04124
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Microplastics in Sewage Sludge: Worldwide Presence in Biosolids, Environmental Impact, Identification Methods and Possible Routes of Degradation, Including the Hydrothermal Carbonization Process
This review examines the worldwide presence of microplastics in sewage sludge and biosolids, along with their environmental impact when applied to agricultural land. Researchers found that wastewater treatment plants capture roughly 90% of incoming microplastics in sludge, but land application of biosolids then redistributes these particles into soils, highlighting the need for better degradation methods.
Microplastic Degradation in Sewage Sludge by Hydrothermal Carbonization: Efficiency and Mechanisms
Researchers evaluated hydrothermal carbonization as a method for degrading microplastics in sewage sludge. The study found that treatment at 260 degrees Celsius achieved a 79% reduction in microplastic concentrations, and investigated the decomposition mechanisms for different polymer types. The findings suggest that hydrothermal carbonization could be an effective approach for removing microplastics from sewage sludge before environmental disposal.
The Effect of Hydrothermal Carbonization Temperature on Microplastic Content in Digested Sewage Sludge and Its Relation to the Fuel Properties of Hydrochars
Hydrothermal carbonization temperature was found to influence how microplastics are transformed into hydrochar, affecting the properties of the resulting material. Optimizing this process could convert plastic waste into useful biochar-like materials while reducing the persistence of microplastics in the environment.
Changes in physicochemical and leachate characteristics of microplastics during hydrothermal treatment of sewage sludge
Researchers examined hydrothermal treatment of sewage sludge containing microplastics and found that while the process degraded polyethylene, polystyrene, and PET to varying degrees, it also generated potentially harmful leachates, highlighting trade-offs in this treatment approach.
Sewage Sludge Valorization via Hydrothermal Carbonization: Optimizing Dewaterability and Phosphorus Release
This study optimized conditions for hydrothermal carbonization of sewage sludge, finding that the process improves sludge dewaterability and can release phosphorus for potential nutrient recovery. While not directly about microplastics, sewage sludge is a major reservoir of microplastics that accumulates during wastewater treatment, and managing sludge safely is important for preventing plastic particles from reaching agricultural soils.