Occurrence and analysis of microplastics in municipal wastewater, Poland

Abstract

Microplastics are a growing environmental threat and wastewater treatment plants have been identified as significant conduits for these pollutants. This study addresses microplastic loading in the influent of a large urban wastewater treatment plant, presenting a detailed analysis of their prevalence and characteristics. Our findings reveal a concentration of 4.09 microplastic particles per litre in the tributary. We performed a detailed statistical comparison of the microplastic particles, categorising them by shape, size, colour, and polymer type. Using Fourier transform total reflectance infrared spectroscopy, we identified 13 different polymer types, with polyethylene terephthalate, rubber, and polyethylene predominating. The analysis showed that textile fibres, mainly from clothing, are the most prevalent form of microplastic in wastewater, followed by fragments from the breakdown of larger plastic objects and films. This research highlights the critical need for strategic interventions to mitigate microplastic pollution at municipal sources.