Microplastic Removal in Water Treatment System: A Study of Baghdad’s Wastewater and Drinking Water Treatment Plants

Abstract This paper examines how well Water and wastewater treatment plants remove microplastic (MP) particles, which has a broad environmental impact, with significant implications for human health. It focuses on five samples (two drinking water plants (Rusafa, Qadisya) and two wastewater plants (Karkh, Rustimya) and one sludge (Rustimya) in Baghdad, Iraq). Samples were taken from inlets and outlets to analyze MP levels, these samples were processed and prepared to comprehensively characterize the types by color, shape, size and chemical composition and quantities of microplastics entering and leaving the system. The preparation of samples steps included various processes such as: performing the chemical digestion process using Hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ), then density separating, While The characterization and analysis process involved identifying the microplastic particles under an optical microscope, and finally FTIR to determine the chemical composition. Results show Rusafa and Qadisya were highly effective, nearly removing all films and pellets and reducing fibers and fragments. However, Rustimya and Karkh had higher contamination, with fibers (35% in Rustimya, 27% in Karkh) and fragments (27% in Rustimya, 30% in Karkh) dominating. Treatment reduced MPs, but Rustimya and Karkh still had more fibers and films, suggesting poor filtration. Sludge at Rustimya contained high levels of white, red, and brown MPs, with some blue and black particles. The study calls for better filtration methods, especially at Rustimya and Karkh, to improve MP removal. Persistent fibers and fragments highlight the need for advanced techniques to ensure safer water quality.