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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.