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
Summary
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.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Microplastics in industrial wastewater treatment plant: Quantification, identification and ecological risk assessment
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.
Reduction in the Input of Microplastics into the Aquatic Environment via Wastewater Treatment Plants in Germany
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.
Microplastic particle emission from wastewater treatment plant effluents into river networks in Germany: Loads, spatial patterns of concentrations and potential toxicity
Researchers estimated annual microplastic particle emissions from wastewater treatment plants into Germany's ten major river basins and analyzed spatial concentration patterns across stream orders. The study found that while treatment plants are point sources of microplastic pollution, the spatial organization of facilities along river networks creates predictable downstream concentration patterns with potential ecological implications.
Extraction and Characterization of Microplastics from Portuguese Industrial Effluents
Researchers characterized microplastic contamination in effluents from multiple Portuguese industrial sectors, finding that various well-established industries contribute to microplastic release into wastewater and pose risks of contaminating aquifers.
Microplastic pollution in the German aquatic environment: Existence, interactions and research needs
This review examines microplastic pollution in German waterways and wastewater treatment plants, finding concentrations as high as 11,050 particles per liter in rivers. Fibers were the most common shape, and polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene were the dominant polymer types, mostly coming from municipal and industrial wastewater. The authors highlight that despite being Europe's largest economy, Germany has surprisingly limited research on this issue and call for standardized measurement methods.