We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Occurrence and fate of microplastics in Parisian combined sewer network
Summary
This study investigated the occurrence and fate of microplastics in the combined sewer network of Paris, tracking particles from urban inputs through the wastewater system. Significant amounts of microplastics were found throughout the system, with storm events increasing concentrations. Combined sewer overflow events can release untreated microplastic-laden water directly into rivers during heavy rain.
International audience
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Microplastic accumulation in sewer sediments and its potential entering the environment via combined sewer overflows: a study case in Paris
During heavy rainfall events in Paris, sewer sediments containing densely accumulated microplastics — up to 178,000 particles per kilogram of dry sediment — are resuspended and discharged directly into rivers via combined sewer overflows. This previously overlooked pathway means that stormwater overflow events can rapidly transfer large quantities of microplastics stored in urban sewer networks into freshwater ecosystems.
Microplastic accumulation in sewer sediments and its potential entering the environment via combined sewer overflows: a study case in Paris
Researchers measured microplastic levels in sewer sediments in Paris and found extremely high concentrations, similar in composition to raw wastewater. During heavy rain events, these contaminated sediments get flushed into rivers through sewer overflows, releasing large amounts of microplastics into the environment. The study reveals that urban sewer systems are a significant hidden reservoir of microplastic pollution that can rapidly contaminate waterways used for recreation and drinking water.
Microplastic accumulation in sewer systems and their pathways to the environment along with combined sewer overflows
This study examines how microplastics accumulate in urban sewer systems and the pathways through which they enter the environment, particularly through combined sewer overflows during storm events. Understanding these infrastructure pathways is critical for controlling microplastic release into rivers and coastal waters.
Abundance, composition and fluxes of plastic debris and other macrolitter in urban runoff in a suburban catchment of Greater Paris
Researchers quantified plastic debris composition and fluxes in stormwater runoff from a suburban Paris catchment, finding plastics comprised over 60% of macrolitter and estimating that separate sewer systems in the greater Paris area discharge 8–33 tons of plastic debris into the environment annually, establishing urban stormwater as a significant but poorly studied pathway for plastic pollution.
Occurrence and fate of microplastics in the sewage system and different pathways into the environment : case of Greater Paris area
A PhD study tracking microplastics through Paris's entire wastewater management system found that treatment plants fail to fully remove them: between 86,000 and 450,000 particles per kilogram remain in treated sewage sludge that is subsequently spread on land or incinerated. This research highlights that wastewater infrastructure, while reducing the load entering rivers, redistributes rather than eliminates microplastic pollution.