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Abundance and Characterization of Anthropogenic Microlitter in Effluent from Three Wastewater Treatment Plants in Gran Canaria (Canary Islands, Spain)
Summary
Researchers measured microplastic particles in effluent from three wastewater treatment plants on Gran Canaria, finding that effluent treatment level significantly affected how many particles were released into the environment. Even advanced membrane bioreactor treatment did not completely eliminate microlitter, meaning wastewater plants remain a significant source of microplastics entering aquatic environments.
Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) have been identified as significant point sources of microlitter particles (MPs) released into the environment. Simultaneously, they play a crucial role in effectively removing a substantial amount of MPs originated from domestic and industrial activities. This study evaluates the presence and chemical composition of MPs within the range of 5 mm to 25 µm in effluents from three WWTPs in the Canary Islands, each undergoing distinct treatment processes: pretreatment (PRET), activated sludge (AS), and membrane bioreactor (MBR) over an eight-month period. The concentrations of MPs exhibited substantial variations in the three effluent samples: 7461.50 ± 3843.87 MP/L in PRET, 32.71 ± 19.55 MP/L in AS, and 9.53 ± 5.21 MP/L in MBR. The predominant forms of MPs were fragments (58–66%) and fibers (27–33%), with the most prevalent size class being within the range of 150–25 µm. The mass concentrations of plastics, analyzed through pyrolysis gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (Pyr-GC/MS), were determined as 123.33 µg/L for PRET, 17 µg/L for AS, and 10 µg/L for MBR. This study revealed a diverse polymer profile, with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyolefins (PE and PP) predominantly present. This work enhances our understanding of MP dynamics and provides a valuable reference for future assessments, aiding in the selection of effective removal technologies.
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