We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastic characterization and assessment of removal efficiency in an urban and industrial wastewater treatment plant with submarine emission discharge
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers evaluated how effectively a wastewater treatment plant in Morocco removes microplastics from combined urban and industrial wastewater. They found that while the plant's lamellar settling system removed a significant portion of microplastics, treated water discharged through the submarine outfall still contained measurable levels. The study underscores that current wastewater treatment technologies may not fully prevent microplastic pollution from reaching marine environments.
Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are significant contributors to microplastic (MP) pollution in marine ecosystems when they are inefficient. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of microplastic removal from the effluent of the Anza WWTP (Morocco), which processes industrial and urban wastewater using a lamellar decantation system combined with a submarine emissary for treated water discharge. Additionally, this study investigated the presence of microplastics in the Atlantic seawater where treatment plant effluent is released. Microplastics were collected and extracted from wastewater and seawater samples to assess their abundance, shape, size, polymer type, and removal rates in the treatment plant. The findings revealed an average MP concentration of 1114 ± 90 MPs/L in the influent and 607 ± 101 MPs/L in the effluent, indicating a removal efficiency of 46 %. Seasonal analysis revealed the highest MP concentrations during the summer, with 2181.33 MPs/L in the influent and 1209 MPs/L in the effluent. Seawater samples from the discharge zone of the submarine emissary had an average MP concentration of 1600 MPs/m. Characterization of the MPs revealed that fibers were the most common form of MPs in all the samples. The 500-100 μm size fraction was predominant in the WWTP samples, while MPs smaller than 1 mm were more abundant in the seawater samples. Seven polymer types were identified using attenuated total reflection fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), with PET, PE, PVC, PA, PS, PP, and EVA being the most prevalent. Scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX) revealed various degrees of weathering and chemical elements adhering to the MP surfaces. The results of this study provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of conventional treatment systems in removing microplastics and offer a reference for developing management strategies to mitigate MP pollution in Morocco's marine ecosystems.
More Papers Like This
Occurrence, characteristics, and removal of microplastics in wastewater treatment plants located on the Moroccan Atlantic: The case of Agadir metropolis
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers studied microplastic occurrence and removal in two wastewater treatment plants in Agadir, Morocco, finding that while treatment processes removed significant proportions of microplastics, effluents still released substantial quantities into the Atlantic Ocean.
Evaluation of microplastics removal efficiency at a wastewater treatment plant discharging to the Sea of Marmara
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers tracked microplastics through all compartments of a secondary wastewater treatment plant in Istanbul, finding that the plant removed about 86% of incoming microplastics but still discharged a substantial number to the Sea of Marmara, with fibers as the dominant form.
Occurrence and Removal of Microplastics in Wastewater Treatment Plants: Perspectives on Shape, Type, and Density
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers compiled data from multiple countries on microplastic removal efficiency across different stages of wastewater treatment plants. They found that removal rates varied widely, from 48% in some facilities to over 90% in others, depending on the treatment technologies employed. The study suggests that while conventional wastewater treatment can capture a significant portion of microplastics, advanced tertiary treatment methods are needed to further reduce discharge into the environment.
Microplastics removal efficiency and risk analysis of wastewater treatment plants in Oman
AI summary Read the abstract
This study measured microplastic contamination at three wastewater treatment plants in Oman using different treatment technologies. The plants removed between 84% and 97% of microplastics, but significant amounts still escaped into the environment through treated water and sludge. The findings show that even modern wastewater treatment cannot fully prevent microplastics from reaching waterways that communities may use for irrigation or other purposes.
Efficiency of microplastic removal from wastewater treatment plants
AI summary Read the abstract
This study evaluated how effectively conventional wastewater treatment plants remove microplastics before discharge into receiving waters. The findings highlight that while treatment plants do capture a significant portion of microplastics, they still release substantial quantities, making them a key pathway for environmental microplastic contamination.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.