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Optimization of coagulation and sedimentation conditions by turbidity measurement for nano- and microplastic removal
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This study assessed microplastic ingestion by commercially important fish species in the Persian Gulf, finding particles in the digestive tracts of all five species examined. Fibers were the most prevalent shape, suggesting textile washing as a primary source.
Plastic pollution has emerged as a potential threat to drinking water quality. Coagulation and sedimentation processes are suggested to be an effective way of removing small plastic particles from water. However, a conventional jar test consumes a large volume of plastic specimens, producing secondary wastes and hindering a quick optimization of the treatment processes for nano/microplastic removal. This study investigates the monitoring of nano- and microplastic behavior (0.1, 1, and 10 μm-sized polystyrene) in coagulation and sedimentation processes by a simple turbidity measurement. The coagulation and the subsequent floc sedimentation of the plastic particles could be observed in a turbidity vial with a small volume (∼15 mL), allowing a fast screening of coagulant type, dose, sedimentation time, and water environment. In particular, the physicochemical properties of coagulants could be screened in the turbidity monitoring, where the hydrophobic interaction is identified to be important for the coagulation of nano-sized plastic particles. The optimal coagulation/sedimentation conditions from the turbidity monitoring could be applied to the jar test, achieving the high removal efficiencies of nano/microplastic particles. The plastic removal after the coagulation/sedimentation process could be estimated based on linearity between the plastic concentration and the turbidity. The turbidity-driven removal efficiency well corresponds to that derived from the mass-based calculation of the jar test when with a complete floc settling. Our findings suggest that the turbidity measurement can provide a rational optimization of the water treatment processes for the effective removal of nano- and microplastics.
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Researchers assessed microplastic accumulation in Arabian Sea fish species, developing optimized digestion protocols and characterizing polymer types to trace contamination sources, finding widespread microplastic ingestion across multiple commercially important fish species.
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Microplastics were found in muscle, liver, gill, and gastrointestinal tissues of 14 commercially fished species from the northern Persian Gulf, with gastrointestinal tissues showing the highest contamination and muscle tissue showing very low levels, suggesting limited translocation from gut to edible flesh in most species.
Microplastic contamination in commercially important marine fishes from the Sohar Coast, Sea of Oman: occurrence, characterization, and polymer composition
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Researchers examined 120 fish from four commercially important species caught off Oman's Sohar coast and found microplastics in the gut or gills of nearly 80% of them. Most particles were fibers under 2mm long, with polyester being the most common plastic type found.
Microplastic prevalence in marine fish from onshore Beibu Gulf, South China Sea
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Researchers examined 271 fish across 32 species from the Beibu Gulf and found microplastics in the majority of samples, with fibers being the most common type and abundance varying by species, feeding habits, and habitat.
Abundance and characteristics of microplastic in some commercial species from the Persian Gulf, Iran
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Scientists examined microplastic contamination in the digestive tracts of five commercially important fish and shellfish species from the Persian Gulf, finding plastic particles in nearly 73 percent of all individuals sampled. Microfibers were the most common type, making up about 58 percent of particles found, and polymer analysis identified polypropylene and polyethylene as the dominant plastics. The study highlights that seafood from the Persian Gulf region is widely contaminated with microplastics, raising concerns about potential exposure for human consumers.
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