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20 resultsShowing papers similar to Effect of polypropylene microplastics on the performance of membrane bioreactors in wastewater treatment
ClearEffects of microplastics accumulation on performance of membrane bioreactor for wastewater treatment
Researchers simulated the long-term accumulation of polypropylene microplastics in membrane bioreactors used for wastewater treatment. They found that while microplastic accumulation did not reduce the removal of key pollutants like COD and ammonia nitrogen, it did increase membrane fouling and alter the composition of microbial communities in the reactor. The study suggests that microplastic buildup in wastewater treatment systems may affect operational efficiency over time.
Removal of Polypropylene Particle Contaminants Using Membrane Technology to Mitigate Microplastics Pollution in the Environment
Researchers tested the ability of different membrane types to remove polypropylene microplastic particles from water, evaluating separation efficiency under varying conditions. Membranes achieved high removal rates for particles above a threshold size, with performance depending on membrane pore size, material, and operating pressure.
Evaluation of Membrane Fouling by Microplastic Particles in Tertiary Wastewater Treatment Processes
Researchers evaluated membrane fouling caused by microplastic particles during tertiary wastewater treatment, finding that microplastics contributed to fouling through pore blocking and cake layer formation, which reduced membrane performance and treatment efficiency.
Microplastics affect membrane biofouling and microbial communities during gravity-driven membrane filtration of primary wastewater
Researchers investigated how microplastics of different sizes and concentrations affect gravity-driven membrane filtration systems used for decentralized wastewater treatment. The study found that microplastics reduced permeate flux by 9 to 54% and altered biofilm microbial communities on the membrane surface, potentially compromising treatment performance.
Effects of polyethylene terephthalate microplastics on performance of sequencing-batch membrane bioreactor for simulated municipal wastewater treatment
Researchers assessed the impact of PET microplastics on a sequencing-batch membrane bioreactor treating simulated municipal wastewater and found that PET MPs altered microbial community composition, reduced treatment efficiency at higher concentrations, and increased membrane fouling. The study highlights risks to wastewater infrastructure from microplastic contamination.
An evaluation of microplastics fate in the wastewater treatment plants: frequency and removal of microplastics by microfiltration membrane
This study assessed microplastic removal efficiency at a wastewater treatment plant in Iran and tested microfiltration membrane performance, finding that the membrane significantly improved microplastic removal beyond conventional treatment steps.
The Potential Role of Membrane Technology in the Removal of Microplastics from Wastewater
This review examines membrane filtration as a technology for removing microplastics from wastewater, finding it promising but limited by issues of fouling and chemical instability. Improving membrane technology could significantly reduce the amount of microplastics discharged into waterways from treatment plants.
Long-term impacts of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) microplastics in membrane bioreactor
Researchers evaluated the long-term impact of PET microplastics on membrane bioreactor performance for wastewater treatment. The study found that while biological removal efficiency remained largely unaffected, the accumulation of PET particles adversely impacted sludge settling and dewatering properties and increased extracellular polymer production, suggesting long-term operational concerns for treatment facilities.
Preventing Microplastic Release into Oceans through Wastewater Treatment Technologies.
Comparing immersed and sidestream membrane bioreactors for microplastic removal from wastewater, this analysis found membrane bioreactors more efficient than conventional treatment, identifying them as a key technology to prevent microplastic release to oceans.
Recent advances on micro/nanoplastic pollution and membrane fouling during water treatment: A review
Researchers reviewed recent advances in understanding how micro- and nanoplastics contribute to membrane fouling during water treatment processes. The study found that while membrane separation effectively removes microplastics from wastewater effluent, fouling caused by plastic particles along with dissolved organics and extracellular polymers remains a key obstacle, and understanding the fouling mechanisms is critical for improving treatment efficiency.
Fouling behavior of nano/microplastics and COD, TOC, and TN removal in MBR: A comparative study
This study tested a membrane bioreactor (MBR) — a combination of biological treatment and membrane filtration used in wastewater plants — for its ability to remove nano- and microplastics from wastewater. The system achieved 99.4% removal of organic pollutants and complete removal of nanoplastics, and found that more hydrophilic membranes were better at capturing microplastics. The study also examined how microplastics foul and clog membranes over time, which is a practical challenge for wastewater treatment operations. These results support MBRs as a promising technology for reducing microplastic discharges from treatment plants into waterways.
Membrane Processes for Microplastic Removal
This review evaluates the use of membrane technologies for removing microplastics and nanoplastics from wastewater treatment plant effluents. Researchers found that while membrane bioreactors show promise, most existing membrane approaches are still insufficient for comprehensive microplastic removal, especially for the smallest particles. The study suggests that specially designed membrane systems are needed as advanced tertiary treatment to prevent microplastic discharge into waterways.
Filtration Methods for Microplastic Removal in Wastewater Streams — A Review
This review surveys filtration, membrane, coagulation, and biological methods for removing microplastics from wastewater, concluding that membrane bioreactors and dynamic membranes are among the most effective current technologies. The paper provides a useful comparative overview for engineers and policymakers seeking cost-effective solutions to prevent microplastics from passing through treatment plants into waterways.
Exploring the effects of polyethylene and polyester microplastics on biofilm formation, membrane Fouling, and microbial communities in Modified Ludzack-Ettinger-Reciprocation membrane bioreactors
Researchers investigated how polyethylene pellets and polyester fibers affect membrane bioreactor performance in wastewater treatment. They found that PE pellets increased membrane fouling rates 2-3 times faster, while polyester fibers reduced nitrate removal efficiency from 99.6% to 90.9% and decreased beneficial denitrifying bacteria. The study also found that microplastics in treatment systems can harbor pathogens and alter microbial community structures.
Occurrence, identification and removal of microplastics in a wastewater treatment plant compared to an advanced MBR technology: Full-scale pilot plant
Researchers compared microplastic removal efficiency between a standard wastewater treatment plant and an advanced membrane bioreactor (MBR) system and found MBR technology achieved 99.7% removal — far outperforming conventional treatment — suggesting upgraded filtration systems are critical to keeping microplastics out of waterways.
Removal of microplastics from wastewater: available techniques and way forward
This review surveys the available techniques for removing microplastics from wastewater, including filtration, coagulation, biological treatment, and advanced methods like membrane bioreactors. Researchers found that while conventional treatment plants can remove a substantial fraction of microplastics, significant amounts still pass through to the environment. The study emphasizes the need for upgrading wastewater treatment systems to better capture these emerging contaminants.
Fate and effects of microplastics in wastewater treatment processes
This review of microplastic fate in wastewater treatment plants found that secondary treatment removes ~98% of MPs from effluent, while MPs that remain can interfere with nitrogen conversion, increase chemical dosing requirements, and cause membrane fouling in advanced treatment systems.
Use of Different Bioreactors for the Removal of Microplastics from Wastewater
This review compares different bioreactor configurations—including membrane bioreactors, moving bed biofilm reactors, and constructed wetlands—for removing microplastics from wastewater, evaluating removal efficiencies and operational requirements for each system type.
Direct filtration of microfibre-containing wastewater using nanofibre membranes: combined effects of mode of filtration and type of microfibre
Scientists tested how tiny plastic fibers from clothes and textiles affect water treatment systems that remove these pollutants from wastewater. They found that different types of plastic fibers either help or hurt the cleaning process depending on the material and how the water flows through filters. This research is important because it could help improve systems that remove microplastics from our water supply before they reach rivers, oceans, and potentially our drinking water.
Mechanical Durability and Fouling Development of Flat-sheet Membranes in a Submerged Membrane Bioreactor
This study tested the mechanical durability and fouling resistance of three membrane types used in wastewater treatment bioreactors, finding that the membranes themselves can degrade and shed microplastics into treated water. The results underscore the need to consider membrane material durability when designing systems meant to remove microplastics from wastewater.