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Microplastic accumulation in sewer sediments and its potential entering the environment via combined sewer overflows: a study case in Paris
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Researchers measured microplastic levels in sewer sediments in Paris and found extremely high concentrations, similar in composition to raw wastewater. During heavy rain events, these contaminated sediments get flushed into rivers through sewer overflows, releasing large amounts of microplastics into the environment. The study reveals that urban sewer systems are a significant hidden reservoir of microplastic pollution that can rapidly contaminate waterways used for recreation and drinking water.
During wet weather events, combined sewer overflows (CSOs) transfer large amount of particulate matter and associated pollutants into surrounding water bodies, thereby deteriorating the recipients' ecological health. Resuspension of sewer sediments during these events contributes significantly to pollution level of these discharges. However, how much this in-sewer process contributes to CSOs' quality regarding microplastic (MP) pollution is little known. Therefore, an investigation on sewer deposits inside the Parisian combined sewer network was carried out. The study found high MP concentrations stored in this matrix, ranging from 5 × 10 to 178 × 10 particle/kg dry weight. Polymer composition is similar to what found in raw wastewater, containing a high proportion of polyethylene and polypropylene. Thus, the results indicated the persistence of MPs in sewer network during transport during dry weather periods to treatment facilities. Once resuspension of sewer deposits happens, MPs can be released into water flow and get discharged along with CSOs. This highlights another potential pathway of MPs into freshwater environment.
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Microplastic accumulation in sewer sediments and its potential entering the environment via combined sewer overflows: a study case in Paris
AI summary Read the abstract
During heavy rainfall events in Paris, sewer sediments containing densely accumulated microplastics — up to 178,000 particles per kilogram of dry sediment — are resuspended and discharged directly into rivers via combined sewer overflows. This previously overlooked pathway means that stormwater overflow events can rapidly transfer large quantities of microplastics stored in urban sewer networks into freshwater ecosystems.
Microplastics in sewer sediments of the Parisian combined sewer network
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Researchers investigated microplastic accumulation in sewer sediments within the Paris combined sewer network, finding significant quantities of plastics deposited in sediment during low-flow periods that could be resuspended and flushed into wastewater treatment plants or directly into the Seine River during heavy rainfall. Sewer systems are an understudied but important pathway for microplastic transport in urban environments.
Occurrence and fate of microplastics in Parisian combined sewer network
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This study investigated the occurrence and fate of microplastics in the combined sewer network of Paris, tracking particles from urban inputs through the wastewater system. Significant amounts of microplastics were found throughout the system, with storm events increasing concentrations. Combined sewer overflow events can release untreated microplastic-laden water directly into rivers during heavy rain.
Macro and microplastics in stormwater and combined sewer overflows in Paris megacity
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This French study quantified macro and microplastics in stormwater and combined sewer overflows in the Paris metropolitan area, identifying these urban discharge events as significant pathways for plastic pollution to reach aquatic environments. The results highlight the role of urban infrastructure and rainfall events in transporting plastic debris from cities to waterways.
Microplastics in sewer sediments of the Parisian combined sewer network
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Scientists found tiny plastic bits (microplastics) buried in the muck at the bottom of Paris's sewer system, showing that these particles build up in urban infrastructure, not just oceans and rivers. This matters because sewer sediments can be a hidden reservoir of microplastics that may eventually wash into waterways or affect water treatment processes, adding to the pollution that ends up in our environment, and potentially our food and water supply.
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