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Removal efficiency of 0.3 to 4 millimeters microplastics in raw water via coagulation and flocculation process
Summary
This study tested how effectively a conventional coagulation and flocculation water treatment process could remove microplastics in the 0.3–4 mm size range from raw water. The treatment achieved meaningful removal rates, suggesting that existing drinking water infrastructure can provide some protection against microplastic contamination.
Microplastics (MPs) have attracted worldwide attention. MPs are gradually detected in freshwater and tap water. In terms of human health risks, MPs as contaminants represent a concern because they can be ingested and accumulated in the body. In this study, the removal efficiency of 0.3 – 4 mm MPs was investigated during traditional coagulation and flocculation processes using aluminum sulphate (alum) as a coagulant and anionic polyacrylamide (APAM) as a coagulant aid. Results showed that the optimum alum dose of 15 mg/L showed maximum turbidity removal efficiency (98.07±0.02%) in non-added MPs raw water. Whilst, 40 mg/L of alum was the optimum dose for highest turbidity removal efficiency (97.77±0.02%) in added MPs raw water and also greatest MPs removal efficiency (80.00±0.00%). After obtained the optimizing alum dose, APAM were added to enhance the removal efficiency of turbidity and MPs. 0.06 mg/L of APAM was the optimum dose for highest turbidity removal efficiency (97.88 ± 0.02%) and 0.04 mg/L was the optimum dose for maximum MPs removal efficiency (85± 0.00%). Based on this investigation, the MPs removal behaviors during coagulation and flocculation processes will have potential application in tap water treatment.