Back to papers
0
Article ? AI-assigned paper type based on the abstract. Classification may not be perfect — flag errors using the feedback button. Tier 2 ? Original research — experimental, observational, or case-control study. Direct primary evidence. Environmental Sources Marine & Wildlife Remediation Sign in to save

Interactions between microplastics and unit processes of wastewater treatment plants: a critical review

Water Science & Technology 2021 41 citations ? Citation count from OpenAlex, updated daily. May differ slightly from the publisher's own count.
Vaishnavi Koyilath Nandakumar, Sankar Ganesh Palani, Murari R. R. Varma

Summary

This critical review examines how microplastics interact with each unit process in wastewater treatment plants, synthesizing removal efficiencies and identifying that while conventional treatment removes the majority of microplastics, small particles and fibers consistently pass through to effluent.

Study Type Environmental

Microplastics are classified as emerging pollutants of the aquatic environment, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of their properties for successful management and treatment. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) serve as point sources of microplastic pollution of the aquatic and terrestrial (eco)systems. The first part of this review explores the basic definitions of microplastics, sources, types, physical and chemical methods of identifying and characterizing microplastics in WWTPs. The next part of the review details the occurrence of microplastics in various unit processes of WWTPs and sewage sludge. Followed by this, various methods for removing microplastics from wastewater are presented. Finally, the research gaps in this area were identified, and suggestions for future perspectives were provided.

Read via DOI PubMed Download PDF

Share this paper

Post Share Share Pin Email