Publication Details

MICROPLASTICS POLLUTION MITIGATION IN WASTEWATER TREATMENT: CURRENT PRACTICES, CHALLENGES, AND FUTURE PERSPECTIVES

The growing attention to microplastics stems from their significant environmental and human impacts. Microplastic accumulation in the environment also contributes to the spread of micropollutants. Daily human activities involving the use of plastics, especially synthetic materials, lead to their eventual presence in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Although WWTPs play a crucial role in removing microplastics during the treatment process, the technologies currently in use are not entirely effective in filtering out all microplastic particles. As a result, WWTPs are recognized as major contributors to microplastic release into the environment. This review delves into the sources and prevalence of microplastics, the methods used for their removal in WWTPs, and the potential risks they pose to human health. Several removal methods are discussed, including sedimentation and flotation, activated sludge and sedimentation, reverse osmosis, and rapid sand filtration. The efficiency of each method is critically assessed, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses in addressing microplastic contamination. Moreover, this review underscores the importance of ongoing comprehensive research and development to improve the removal efficiency of microplastics in WWTPs. Efforts to optimize existing removal techniques and investigate new technologies should be intensified to achieve more holistic microplastic removal. By tackling the microplastics issue at the WWTP level, we can reduce their release into the environment, thereby diminishing potential health risks. In conclusion, the environmental presence of microplastics and their associated micropollutants demands robust removal strategies within WWTPs.