We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Characteristics and removal of microplastics in urban domestic WWTP system: A case study in Bandung city, Indonesia
Summary
Four communal wastewater treatment plants in Bandung, Indonesia had high incoming microplastic concentrations averaging 537.5 particles/L, with fibers (52%) and particles 1,001–5,000 µm dominant, but showed partial removal efficiency during treatment.
The presence of microplastics (MPs) in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) raises concern. This study aims to investigate microplastics' abundance and reduction potential in suspended growth system communal WWTPs in Bandung City, Indonesia. Samples were evaluated using a 100 times magnification microscope to determine the number, size, shape, and color of MP, as well as FTIR to characterize MP polymer. The study found that the four WWTPs in Bandung had a high concentration of MP at 537.50 ± 35.21 particles/L. MP sizes ranged from 11 μm to 5000 μm, with the predominant size of 1,001 μm - 5,000 μm (32.09 ± 4.17%). MP has a transparent color (26.43 ± 3.14%) and fiber form (51.91 ± 4.02%). The MP is composed of polymers such as PES, PP, PE, PET, and others with percentages of 36.36 ± 2.93%, 14.69 ± 2.45, 23.14 ± 1.77%, 18.01 ± 0.31%, and 7.79 ± 1.87% respectively. MP in wastewater could be removed by the communal WWTPs with an efficiency of 76.74% to 83.78%. These MPs are most likely derived from community daily products such as clothing and personal care products. This research was used to evaluate the performance of communal WWTPs in Bandung City to remove the MPs. Based on the results of this research, the communal WWTPs will need to be modified in the future to have an attached growth system.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Distribution of Microplastics in Domestic Wastewater and Microplastics Removal Potential in Wastewater Treatment Plants
Researchers examined the distribution of microplastics in domestic wastewater in Indonesia and assessed the microplastic removal potential of wastewater treatment plants, using digestion, vacuum filtration, and microscopy to identify microplastics by concentration, shape, size, and color across treatment stages.
Microplastic occurrence and characteristics in a municipal wastewater treatment plant in Jakarta
A Jakarta wastewater treatment plant was found to remove about 91% of incoming microplastics, yet still discharged an estimated 352 microplastic particles per second into the aquatic environment. Fibers were the dominant shape, and particles ranged from 100 to 5,000 µm. This study highlights that even efficient treatment plants are significant ongoing sources of microplastic pollution in urban waterways.
Abundance and removal of microplastics in sewerage treatment plants: A case study of Ujung Menteng Flat House
Researchers evaluated microplastic characteristics and removal efficiency at the Ujung Menteng Flat House Sewerage Treatment Plant in Indonesia, sampling from influent, activated sludge, and effluent to assess how effectively existing wastewater infrastructure — not designed for microplastic removal — reduces contamination.
Unveiling Microplastic Removal and Characteristics in Wastewater from Two Municipal Wastewater Treatment Facilities in Indonesia
Two Indonesian municipal wastewater treatment plants — one advanced, one using simple ponds — both achieved roughly 90% microplastic removal, bringing influent concentrations of around 16 particles per liter down to about 1.5 particles per liter in treated effluent. Despite high removal rates, the remaining microplastics (predominantly PP, PE, PET, and polystyrene fibers and fragments) still discharge into receiving waters continuously, highlighting the need for improved treatment technologies to protect Indonesian aquatic ecosystems.
Microplastics in an urban wastewater treatment plant: The influence of physicochemical parameters and environmental factors
Microplastics were quantified across four treatment stages of an urban wastewater treatment plant, finding an overall 90.3% removal efficiency with fragments and fibers dominating the final effluent, and identifying rainfall events and seasonal variation as significant factors affecting MP concentrations. The study highlights the importance of environmental variables when monitoring MP removal at WWTPs.