Abundance and removal of microplastics in sewerage treatment plants: A case study of Ujung Menteng Flat House

Abstract As emerging contaminants, microplastics can be transported by wastewater to treatment plants, where their numbers may decrease. Unfortunately, the existing wastewater treatment facilities in Indonesia are not designed to remove microplastics effectively. This study aims to analyze the characteristics of microplastics and evaluate the efficiency of microplastic removal at the Ujung Menteng Flat House Sewerage Treatment Plant (STP). Samples were collected at three locations within the STP: the influent, the activated sludge (aeration tank), and the effluent. These samples were analyzed using visual identification and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy in the laboratory. The results revealed that the abundance of microplastics was 946 particles per liter in the influent and 378 particles per liter in the effluent. The Ujung Menteng Flat House STP, utilizing an extended aeration system, achieved a microplastic removal rate of up to 60.97%. Fragment-shaped microplastics constituted the most significant proportion at 65%, followed by beads at 19%, fibers at 8%, films at 5%, and foams at 3%. The microplastics varied in size from 3 to 4541 micrometers, with black being the most frequently detected color. The polymer composition of the microplastic particles included silicone rubber, PVFM, PVB, PE, PVC, and HDPE.