Innovative pilot-scale mechanical assembly for efficient removal of microplastics from wastewater: a sustainable solution

Microplastic pollution poses a significant threat to aquatic ecosystems and public health due to its persistence, ubiquity, and potential for bioaccumulation. This study introduces a pilot-scale treatment assembly, to remove microplastics from the surface and discarded water. The system integrates aeration, sedimentation, rapid sand filtration, and reverse osmosis membranes to provide a comprehensive solution for microplastic removal. Thirty grab water samples were collected from different locations to form six composite categories. Microplastics were identified and quantified using digestion, separation, and filtration analysis under a stereomicroscope before and after treatment. Key water quality parameters, including pH, salinity, total dissolved solids, and electrical conductivity were measured to assess the treatment's performance. The results revealed that transparent fibers constituted over 90% of microplastics in the surface and wastewater, followed by fragments and sheets, while beads and foams were less prevalent. Removal efficiencies varied among water categories, with maximum efficiency (93%) observed in canal surface water and minimum (66%) in drainage wastewater. Statistical analysis using analysis of variance (one-way) confirmed the significance of the findings (p < 0.01). Pearson correlation and regression modeling of physicochemical parameters of water quality were employed to evaluate the implications of treatment assembly. These findings highlight the system's potential to mitigate microplastic pollution in aquatic ecosystems. The outcomes of this research are compelling for further investigation to combat microplastic pollution.