Occurrence, identification and removal of microplastics in a wastewater treatment plant compared to an advanced MBR technology: Full-scale pilot plant

Microplastics are of increasing interest as one the most important threats to natural environment and aquatic life. One main pathways microplastics entering terrestrial wastewater treatment plants. The aim this study was investigate occurrence removal MPs in both sludge from an MBR-based a WWTP. focus is on amount emitted into environment, efficiency plants how their operation design, could be improved reduce presence these pollutants effluent. results showed that influent (SI) had mean concentration 507 ± 70 L-1, reactor tank (SRS) increases 1.77 × 107 1.61 kg-1 (dw) permeate (SP) estimated decreased 1.58 1.08 L-1. This 99.69%, with respect average MPs. After clarifier (SC) sand filtration (SSF) 17.38 4.71 L-1 2.93 1.50 respectively were found, resulting 96.58% 99.42%, respectively, regarding inlet water plant. two predominant forms all samples (except for SCS) fragments fibers. In total 25 types polymers detected, only 5 resulted samples, detected polymer families Acrylates Polyethylenes.