We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Size and Shape Distribution of Microplastics in PET Recycled Wastewater and Their Removal Behavior during the Coagulation–Flocculation Process
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated the size and shape distribution of microplastics in wastewater from a PET recycling facility and evaluated removal efficiency through coagulation-flocculation, finding that fragment-shaped and medium-sized particles were most abundant and most effectively removed. The study demonstrates that coagulation-flocculation is a strong candidate for controlling microplastic release from plastic recycling facilities.
Plastic Recycling Facilities (PRFs), although intended to reduce plastic pollution, can act as potential sources of microplastic release due to mechanical processing activities. This study aims to investigate the size and shape distribution of microplastics in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) recycling wastewater and to evaluate their removal behavior through coagulation–flocculation processes. Wastewater samples were collected from several treatment stages of the wastewater treatment system at a PET recycling facility. The results indicate that microplastics are predominantly fragment-shaped, with medium-sized particles representing the most abundant fraction. Coagulation–flocculation was shown to effectively remove microplastics, particularly fragment-shaped and medium-sized particles, compared to film and fiber forms. Removal efficiency was influenced by microplastic size and shape characteristics. These findings suggest that coagulation–flocculation has strong potential as an effective method for controlling microplastic release from PET recycling wastewater and provides a basis for developing more targeted wastewater treatment strategies.
More Papers Like This
Removal of different types of microplastics from the water by coagulation and flocculation
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers tested coagulation and flocculation water treatment processes for their ability to remove different types and sizes of microplastics from water. Removal efficiency varied substantially by microplastic type and size, with smaller particles proving harder to capture than larger ones. The study provides practical data for improving microplastic removal in municipal water treatment facilities.
Microplastic removal in coagulation-flocculation: Optimization through chemometric and morphological insights
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers optimized the coagulation-flocculation process — a standard water treatment step where chemicals cause particles to clump and settle — for removing three types of microplastics: polypropylene, polyethylene, and polystyrene. Polystyrene was removed most efficiently, and adjusting pH, coagulant type, and dosage significantly improved removal rates, providing practical guidance for upgrading existing water treatment plants to better capture microplastics.
Understanding and Improving Microplastic Removal during Water Treatment: Impact of Coagulation and Flocculation
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers systematically tested coagulation and flocculation for removing microplastics from drinking water, finding that removal efficiency depended strongly on plastic particle size and whether particles had been weathered, with smaller pristine particles being the hardest to remove.
Coagulation of Wastewater Containing Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Microplastics by Using Ferric Chloride, Aluminum Sulfate and Aluminum Chlorohydrate: A Comparative Study
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers compared ferric chloride, aluminum sulfate, and aluminum chlorohydrate coagulants for removing PET microplastics from plastic recycling facility wastewater, finding that aluminum sulfate at pH 6 achieved the highest removal rate of 90% for predominantly fragment-shaped MPs in the 251-500 micrometers size range.
The influence of coagulation process conditions on theefficiency of microplastic removal in water treatment
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated how coagulation process conditions — including coagulant type, pH, and microsand addition — affect the removal of polyethylene, PVC, and textile microfibers from river water, municipal wastewater, laundry effluent, and synthetic matrices. Ferric chloride and polyaluminum chloride both achieved substantial removal, with performance varying significantly by water matrix and microplastic type.
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.