We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
A holistic approach on the impact of microplastic discharge from WWTPs to the neighboring environment in Southeast Spain
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers conducted a comprehensive study of microplastic release from wastewater treatment plants into surrounding marine sediments, coastal sediments, and fish near Cartagena, Spain. The study found microplastics present in all marine sediment samples and in fish tissue, demonstrating how treatment plants serve as pathways for microplastic contamination of nearby coastal environments.
The present study investigated the release of microplastics (MPs) from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) to the neighboring environment, including marine and coastal sediments, and fish. Here, we comprehensively investigated MP abundance in 34 samples of marine sediment, corresponding to 5,530.5 g of sediment (d.w.) collected at -8.0 m, -12.5 m, and -24.0 m, 69 samples of coastal sediment, accounting for 13,617.4 g (d.w.) from 17 different beaches from Mar Menor, and stomach and intestine of 17 fish samples of Sparus aurata, in the vicinity of Cartagena, a port city in Southeast Spain. The results showed that MPs were detected in all marine sediment samples, with an average abundance of 19.4 ± 2.4 items/kg (d.w.), in coastal sediments, with an average abundance of 52.5 ± 5.3 items/kg (d.w.), and fish samples, with an average of 8.2 ± 1.4 items per individual. The contribution of MPs from WWTPs to marine sediments is expected to be slow, as effluents were mostly dominated by fiber and film shapes, and by polymers less dense than seawater. There were no significant variations in the MP abundance of marine sediments after the atmospheric phenomenon named DANA, although a significant smaller MP size was reported, indicating a high mobility for tiny sizes. The same results were revealed for coastal sediment, although variations after DANA were statistically significant. Coastal sediment samples closer to WWTPs and agricultural fields with plastic mulching displayed higher MP concentrations, and an increase in the removal rate of MPs from WWTP effluents was negatively correlated with a decrease in MPs from fish collected. This study highlights the importance of sewage treatment plants in transporting MPs to the aquatic and terrestrial surrounding environment, which warrants further research on human health risks associated to MP pollution.
More Papers Like This
Occurrence of microplastics at Wastewater Treatment Plants in the Guadalete-Barbate river basin (Cadiz, Spain).
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated microplastic occurrence at wastewater treatment plants in the Guadalete-Barbate river basin in Spain, finding microplastics at all stages of treatment and in final effluent. The study identifies these wastewater plants as ongoing point sources of microplastic release into this Mediterranean river basin.
Abundance and Characterization of Anthropogenic Microlitter in Effluent from Three Wastewater Treatment Plants in Gran Canaria (Canary Islands, Spain)
AI summary Read the abstract
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.
Distribution of microplastics present in a stream that receives discharge from wastewater treatment plants
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers traced microplastic pollution along a stream running through a Spanish city and found that wastewater treatment plant discharge accounted for 97% of microplastics in the water, with concentrations peaking at 72,000 particles per liter immediately downstream of the plants.
Wastewater treatment plants as a source of microplastics to the environment.
AI summary Read the abstract
This study was the first to characterize the contribution of a wastewater treatment plant to microplastic pollution in a receiving water body, confirming that plants are significant sources of microplastics despite removing the majority of particles. The findings highlight the need to upgrade treatment processes or implement new technologies specifically targeting microplastic removal.
Quantification and Characterization of Microplastics in Seven Urban Wastewater Treatment Plants
AI summary Read the abstract
Wastewater treatment plants are a key pathway through which microplastics enter rivers and coastal waters, and this six-month study across seven Spanish treatment plants found that conventional processes offer inconsistent and often inadequate protection. Microplastics were present in all samples, and in some cases effluent concentrations were nearly as high as influent concentrations — meaning the plants were adding little removal value for plastic particles. The dominance of synthetic fibers and the seasonal variation observed point to the need for better tertiary treatment steps to capture microplastics before discharge.
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.