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First assessement of sources and fate of macro and micro plastics in urban hydrosystems : Case of Paris megacity
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This PhD thesis presents the first comprehensive assessment of macro and microplastic sources and transport pathways in the urban hydrosystem of the Paris megacity. Researchers found that stormwater and combined sewer overflows are major pathways delivering plastic from urban surfaces to the Seine River and ultimately to the ocean.
Plastic pollution has been widely studied in marine environment since 1972 and mostly since 2004. Investigations on plastic pollution in freshwater and especially in urban catchments just started at the beginning of the decade, and urban plastic pollution sources and its related fluxes in rivers remains mainly unknown. Thus a specific attention should be paid to the plastic contamination in catchments exposed to severe anthropogenic pressure, especially within the urban areas. This PhD thesis focuses on the case of the Paris agglomeration and its impact on the Seine River. A double approach was carried out as both macro- (>5mm) and micro- (<5mm) plastics were considered.The amount of macroplastics conveyed by the Seine River was estimated with a field study and with a theoretical approach.Regarding microplastics, fibers (made with synthetic but also man-made polymers) and fragments were both investigated in different compartments of the urban system. The study focused on the air compartment (indoor and outdoor air as well as atmospheric fallout), the sewer system (from the washing machine disposals to the WWTP influents and effluents), and the inputs during wet weathers periods, i.e, runoff and combined sewer overflows. Fibers and fragments were also examined on the Seine River.This work aimed at providing relevant methodological keys to address sampling of microplastic in rivers. Two mesh size nets were tested (80 µm vs. 300 µm). The homogeneity of fibers distribution in rivers was also verified as the short term temporal and spatial variabilities were evaluated. In order to highlight the potential impact of the Paris agglomeration, a monthly monitoring on 5 sites upstream and downstream Paris was carried out as well.This thesis mainly highlighted the ubiquity of fibers in all compartments. Fibers were predominant in comparison to fragments in all compartments. Combined sewer overflows exhibited particularly high amounts of fragments. On the other hand, the flux of microplastics in the Seine River was proved be negligible in terms of mass in comparison to macroplastics. This study is also the first one showing that the atmospheric compartment needs to be considered as a potential significant source of microplastics
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Macro and microplastics in stormwater and combined sewer overflows in Paris megacity
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This French study quantified macro and microplastics in stormwater and combined sewer overflows in the Paris metropolitan area, identifying these urban discharge events as significant pathways for plastic pollution to reach aquatic environments. The results highlight the role of urban infrastructure and rainfall events in transporting plastic debris from cities to waterways.
Occurrence and fate of microplastics in Parisian combined sewer network
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This study investigated the occurrence and fate of microplastics in the combined sewer network of Paris, tracking particles from urban inputs through the wastewater system. Significant amounts of microplastics were found throughout the system, with storm events increasing concentrations. Combined sewer overflow events can release untreated microplastic-laden water directly into rivers during heavy rain.
Macro and microplastics in stormwater in Paris Megacity
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This study examined macro- and microplastic contamination in stormwater runoff in the Paris metropolitan area, highlighting urban stormwater as a significant pathway through which plastic pollution enters aquatic environments.
Abundance, composition and fluxes of plastic debris and other macrolitter in urban runoff in a suburban catchment of Greater Paris
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Researchers quantified plastic debris composition and fluxes in stormwater runoff from a suburban Paris catchment, finding plastics comprised over 60% of macrolitter and estimating that separate sewer systems in the greater Paris area discharge 8–33 tons of plastic debris into the environment annually, establishing urban stormwater as a significant but poorly studied pathway for plastic pollution.
Assessing the microplastics in urban effluents and in the Seine River (Paris)
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This study assessed microplastic concentrations in urban wastewater effluents and in the Seine River in France, finding that rivers receive significant microplastic loads from sewage treatment plant discharges and that freshwater environments serve as major transport pathways to the ocean. The research highlights the importance of studying microplastics in continental freshwater systems, not just marine environments.
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