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Polyacrylic acid-based nanoplastics used in cosmetics: a study of biodegradability and effects on heterotrophic and nitrifying microorganisms in the activated sludge
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Researchers tested nanoplastics made from polyacrylic acid, commonly used in cosmetics, to see how they affect the microorganisms that treat wastewater in sewage plants. They found that at high concentrations, these nanoplastics initially inhibited the activity of both nutrient-removing and organic-matter-processing bacteria, though the effect decreased over time. Importantly, the nanoplastics were found to be non-biodegradable in all tests, raising concerns about their long-term accumulation in the environment.
Nanoplastics, commonly used in cosmetics, enter wastewater systems and interact with activated sludge, yet their effects on microorganisms, essential for wastewater treatment, remain poorly understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of polyacrylic acid-based nanoplastics (PANPs) on microorganisms in activated sludge. The PANPs were characterized in terms of their material composition, size, zeta potential, and additive content. Acute (30 min) and prolonged (up to 6 h) toxicity tests were performed to evaluate negative effects on heterotrophic and nitrifying microorganisms in activated sludge. In addition, ready and inherent biodegradability tests were performed to assess their degradation in the environment and within wastewater treatment plants, respectively. The results showed a significant acute inhibition of heterotrophic and nitrifying activity (up to 55 and 72%, respectively) at the highest concentration tested (100 mg/L, 30 min), primarily attributed to the presence of 1-dodecanol detected in the PANPs. This effect decreased with prolonged exposure, likely due to the volatilization of 1-dodecanol. Nevertheless, the PANPs were found to be non-biodegradable in both the ready and inherent biodegradability tests. Although PANPs do not appear to pose a long-term threat to the activated sludge, their persistence in the environment raises concerns about possible accumulation.
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Effect evaluation of microplastics on activated sludge nitrification and denitrification
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Researchers found that microplastics entering wastewater treatment plants interfere with the nitrification and denitrification processes carried out by activated sludge microbes, potentially reducing the effectiveness of nutrient removal in sewage treatment. This effect could undermine water quality if microplastic loads in wastewater continue to increase.
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Researchers compared the effects of biodegradable polylactic acid microplastics and non-biodegradable polyethylene microplastics on aerobic granular sludge used in wastewater treatment. They found that high concentrations of both types impaired the sludge's ability to remove organic pollutants, but both actually enhanced nitrogen and phosphorus removal at moderate levels. The study reveals that even biodegradable microplastics can disrupt wastewater treatment processes in unexpected ways.
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