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Microplastic Accumulation in Sewage Sludge from Biological Wastewater Treatment Plants in Acapulco, Mexico: Implications for Sustainable Sludge Management
Summary
Researchers analyzed microplastic contamination in biological sludge from three wastewater treatment plants in Acapulco, Mexico. The study found concentrations ranging from 830 to 9,300 particles per liter, predominantly polyethylene, PET, and polypropylene, with annual estimates suggesting billions of microplastic particles accumulate in treatment sludge, raising concerns about sludge disposal practices.
Wastewater treatment systems retain a significant proportion of microplastics (MPs) derived from domestic and industrial discharges; however, these emerging pollutants are not completely removed and tend to accumulate in the biological sludge generated during the treatment process. In this study, three biological-type wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) located in Acapulco, Mexico, were analyzed. The concentrations of MPs in the biological sludge ranged from 830 to 9300 particles/L. Using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), the predominant polymers identified were high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polypropylene (PP). It was estimated that the monthly concentrations of MPs in the sludge could reach up to 5.36 × 109 particles/L, while the annual concentrations could rise to 3.55 × 1010 particles/L. These findings highlight the urgent need to review and update the regulatory framework related to the use of residual sludge for agricultural purposes, since high loads of MPs and their transfer pose a potential risk to soil quality, ecosystem health, and long-term environmental sustainability.