We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Quantification of microplastics in wastewater systems of German industrial parks and their wastewater treatment plants
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers provided one of the first assessments of microplastic occurrence in German industrial park wastewater systems, quantifying microplastic distribution across production plant effluents and treatment plant stages to understand industrial contributions to aquatic pollution.
Microplastics (MP) enter the aquatic environment via several pathways. Many research groups have focused on municipal discharge, while research on industrial sources is rare. This study provides one of the first insights into MP occurrence and distribution in the wastewater systems of industrial parks (IPs) and their wastewater treatment plants (IPWWTPs). The effluents from production plants as well as influent, effluent, and internal samples from the IPWWTPs were assessed. Sampling methods for parallel MP mass and number analyses were developed for varying conditions. The total item emissions of MP (≥10 μm) into the environment were analyzed using μ-Raman spectroscopy and ranged from 3 · 102 to 8 · 104 MP m-3, with a median of 6 · 103 MP m-3 per IPWWTP. Masses analyzed using differential scanning calorimetry showed an MP mass discharge into the environment of 0.2 to 11 mg m-3 with a median of 3.7 mg m-3 per IPWWTP. MP item concentrations within an IPWWTP varied by two to three log levels over several days. Fibers were rare in all samples. Polymer types varied depending on the types of industrial sites and the production plants discharging into the IPWWTP. Within an IP, MP could be allocated to its dischargers, which could be useful for future regulatory requirements. Further research is needed to include different types of IPs producing various polymers and additional processing plants to expand this data set.
More Papers Like This
Microplastics in industrial wastewater treatment plant: Quantification, identification and ecological risk assessment
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers quantified microplastics in an industrial wastewater treatment plant in Thailand across wet and dry seasons, finding the highest concentrations after the aeration treatment stage. The study demonstrates that industrial wastewater treatment is an important but undermonitored pathway for microplastics entering aquatic environments.
Occurrence of microplastics in the effluent of wastewater treatment plants : growing threat to the environment?
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines studies on microplastic occurrence in wastewater treatment plant effluents, synthesizing evidence that treatment plants both retain and release significant quantities of microplastics and are a major pathway for plastic particles entering aquatic environments.
Reduction in the Input of Microplastics into the Aquatic Environment via Wastewater Treatment Plants in Germany
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers measured microplastic concentrations throughout the treatment process at nine wastewater treatment plants across Germany, from influent to effluent. They found that the treatment plants achieved substantial reductions in microplastic levels, though some particles still passed through to the final discharge. The study provides quantitative evidence that German wastewater infrastructure significantly reduces but does not fully eliminate microplastic inputs to aquatic environments.
The Abundance and Characteristics of Microplastics in Central Industrial Wastewater Treatment Plants
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers measured microplastic concentrations in the influent and effluent of two industrial wastewater treatment plants in Thailand, finding up to 102 particles per liter in incoming wastewater. Both plants removed most microplastics through their treatment processes, but some particles were still discharged into receiving waterways.
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.
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.