We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Influence of wastewater treatment plants and water input sources on size, shape, and polymer distributions of microplastics in St. Andrew Bay, Florida, USA
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that wastewater treatment plant outflows in St. Andrew Bay, Florida significantly influence the size, shape, and polymer composition of microplastics, with smaller polypropylene fragments dominating near discharge points.
Microplastic (MP) pollution is an ongoing problem in coastal systems, where wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) deposit particles daily. This study examined MP characteristics at WWTP outflow and control sites in St. Andrew Bay in Northwestern Florida, USA. WWTP sites contained mostly polypropylene fragments (180.1 μm avg. size), while reference sites contained polypropylene fragments, and polyethylene and polyester fibers (315.3 μm avg. size). MP sizes were strongly linked to distance from the nearest WWTP, while shape and polymer compositions were more closely related to dissolved oxygen concentrations and distance to the nearest water input source. The prevalence of polypropylene fragments at WWTP sites suggests that extreme weather events during the study flushed land-based debris into the system, where it was buried in the sediments. Increased abundances of polyester and polyethylene terephthalate in the winter at WWTP sites are indicative of the role that laundering synthetic textiles plays in coastal MP pollution.
More Papers Like This
Seasonal and spatial distributions of microplastics in st. Andrew bay, florida, USA
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers monitored microplastic abundance at multiple sites in St. Andrew Bay, Florida, over six consecutive seasons, finding the highest concentrations near wastewater treatment plant outflows and strong seasonal variation. The dominance of polypropylene and polyethylene fragments suggests local land-based sources, with treatment plant effluent identified as a significant local input.
Seasonal and spatial variations in microplastics abundances in St. Andrew Bay, Florida
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found significant seasonal and spatial variations in microplastic abundances in coastal sediments of St. Andrew Bay, Florida, with wastewater treatment plant effluent identified as a major contributor to the approximately 25% of marine microplastics originating from such facilities.
Ecosystem Effects and Magnitude of Microplastics Pollution in St. Andrew Bay, Florida
AI summary Read the abstract
This study quantified microplastic pollution in St. Andrew Bay, Florida, examining inputs from wastewater treatment plants and other coastal sources. The research documented ongoing daily microplastic deposition into this coastal system and characterized its sources and spatial distribution.
Spatial and Temporal Levels of Microplastics in Tampa Bay Surface Waters
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers collected microplastics from 20 sites across Tampa Bay, Florida, finding that concentrations vary with land use, freshwater input, and seasonal precipitation. The study identifies wastewater treatment plant discharge and stormwater runoff from urban areas as key drivers of microplastic contamination in this major estuarine system.
Investigating the Presence and Distribution of Microplastics in Wastewater Treatment Plants Systems
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated microplastic occurrence and distribution in two Malaysian sewage treatment plants, finding that fragment-shaped MPs dominated and effluents contained higher concentrations of smaller particles (63 µm), with polypropylene and polyethylene among the most common polymer types.
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.