Microplastics in Landfill Leachate

Microplastics are defined as plastic particles from 1 μm to 5 mm in size. The dangers of microplastics in the aquatic environment have been known since the 1960s, but only a few countries have introduced or are introducing legislation to limit the production and sale of cosmetics containing microplastics. Landfills are the main "recipient" of manufactured plastics in the world. As a result of complex biochemical and physical reactions in landfills, plastic materials decompose into so-called secondary microplastics. It is estimated that the amount of microplastics in landfills is from 20 000 to 91 000 pcs/kg, much higher than the concentration in sewage sludge or soil. However, research into microplastic and mesoplastic contamination in landfills is still limited. Due to the environmental hazards posed by microplastics, it is crucial to understand their origins and characteristics and eliminate their path to the environment. According to the research, the greatest risk to the environment is posed by small microplastic particles (<50 μm). The neutral buoyancy of microplastics (average density: 0.94 g/cm 3 ) and their irregular shape make them difficult to remove by sedimentation. As the research shows, the ultrafiltration process is highly effective in removing microplastics from landfill leachate.