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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. Human Health Effects Remediation Sign in to save

Transport and fate of microplastics in wastewater treatment plants: implications to environmental health

Reviews in Environmental Science and Bio/Technology 2018 172 citations ? Citation count from OpenAlex, updated daily. May differ slightly from the publisher's own count.
Subash Raju, Maddison Carbery, Aswin Kuttykattil, Kala Senathirajah, Suresh R. Subashchandrabose, Geoffrey M. Evans, Palanisami Thavamani

Summary

Researchers reviewed how wastewater treatment plants act as pathways for microplastics entering terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, finding that treated effluents carry both microplastic particles and associated chemical and biological contaminants into the broader environment.

Study Type Environmental

Global studies of microplastic (MP) pollution confirm wastewater treatment plants serve as pathways for microplastics entering terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. The behaviour, transport and fate of microplastics in wastewater effluents remain mostly unknown, rendering wastewater-derived microplastics as a contaminant of significant concern. We critically examine the literature to understand the sources and fate of microplastics in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and the implications of treated effluents admitted to soil and aquatic systems. The transport of chemical and biological contaminants is also discussed in detail, using fundamental principles of vector relationships. For the removal and reduction of microplastics, profound knowledge is required from source to solution. This review presents a comprehensive overview of the significance of microplastics as a vector of water-borne contaminants in WWTPs.

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