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Influence of biodegradable microplastic in biological treatment of wastewater: performance evaluation of poly(butylene succinate) microparticle degradation in MBBR
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Researchers evaluated poly(butylene succinate) microparticle biodegradation in a moving bed biofilm reactor for the first time, confirming hydrolysis of ester bonds and molar mass losses of 16–48% depending on concentration, with structural degradation visible via electron microscopy. Understanding whether biodegradable plastics genuinely break down in biological wastewater treatment systems is crucial for assessing whether they deliver a real reduction in the primary microplastic burden entering aquatic environments.
Poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) is a biodegradable aliphatic polyester with microbiological depolymerization potential. It offers non-toxic degradation products and stands as an alternative to polyethylene, particularly in microparticle applications, aiding in reducing primary microplastic buildup. In this context, the objective of the present study is to evaluate the biodegradability of PBS microparticles within moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR) systems. Understanding this aspect is essential for potentially applying PBS as an alternative polymeric matrix, which is biodegradable and could effectively reduce primary microplastic production in applications such as the cosmetic industry. The biodegradation essay of PBS microparticles was performed for the first time in a MBBR system. FTIR analyses revealed the hydrolysis of ester bonds, with compositional changes and the formation of by-products. 1H-NMR analyses confirmed the presence of degradation products, such as oligomers and monomers like 1,4-butanediol, while TGA analyses indicated an increase in ash content due to inorganic compound formation. The molar mass distributions analysis showed molar mass (Mw) losses of 16% and 48%, as the microparticle concentration in the biological reactor increased from 0.5 to 5 mg/L, respectively. Finally, scanning electron microscopy revealed signs of degradation, characterized by the emergence of visible cracks in the microparticles surface. Despite these structural changes, the MBBR system maintained high efficiencies in organic matter and ammonium removal, both exceeding 98%, even at higher microparticle concentrations. Furthermore, the system demonstrated consistent ammonium-to-nitrate conversion, showcasing its robust nitrification capabilities. In conclusion, the MBBR system effectively contributed to PBS microparticle degradation, emphasizing its potential as a sustainable alternative for wastewater treatment and primary microplastic reduction. This study also highlighted synergistic interactions in the system that could benefit operational performance, reinforcing the potential use of PBS microparticles as an environmentally friendly solution in industrial applications.
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