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Fate of microplastics in wastewater treatment plants and their environmental dispersion with effluent and sludge

Author: Carlos Edo, Miguel González-Pleiter, Francisco Leganés, Francisca Fernández-Piñas and Roberto Rosal
Year of Publication: 2020
Published: Environmental Pollution

Abstract:
This work studied the occurrence of microplastics in primary and secondary effluents and mixed sludge of a WWTP as well as in processed heat-dried sludge marketed as soil amendment. Sampled microparticles were divided into fragments and fibres, the latter defined as those with cylindrical shape and length to diameter ratio >3. We showed the presence of 12 different anthropogenic polymers or groups of polymers with a predominance of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester and acrylic fibres together with an important amount of manufactured natural fibres. The smaller sampled fraction, in the 25–104 μm range, was the largest in both primary and secondary effluents. Fibres displayed lower sizes than fragments and represented less than one third of the anthropogenic particles sampled in effluents but up to 84% of heat-dried sludge. The plant showed a high efficiency (>90%) in removing microplastics from wastewater. However, the amount of anthropogenic plastics debris in the 25 μm – 50 mm range still released with the effluent amounted to 12.8 ± 6.3 particles/L, representing 300 million plastic debris per day and an approximate load of microplastics of 350 particles/m3 in the receiving Henares River. WWTP mixed sludge contained 183 ± 84 particles/g while heat-dried sludge bore 165 ± 37 particles/g. The sludge of the WWTP sampled in this work, would disseminate 8 × 1011 plastic particles per year if improperly managed. The agricultural use of sludge as soil amendment in the area of Madrid could spread up to 1013 microplastic particles in agricultural soils per year.

Keywords:
Microplastics, wastewater treatment plants, sewage sludge, wastewater effluent, removal efficiency

Citation:
Edo, C., González-Pleiter, M., Leganés, F:, Fernández-Piñas, F., Rosal, R. (2020): Fate of microplastics in wastewater treatment plants and their environmental dispersion with effluent and sludge. Environmental Pollution.

Link:
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2019.113837

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Occurrence and identification of microplastics along a beach in the Biosphere Reserve of Lanzarote

Author: Carlos Edo, Miguel Tamayo-Belda, Sergio Martínez-Campos, Keila Martín-Betancor, Miguel González-Pleiter, Gerardo Pulido-Reyes, Carmen García-Ruiza, Félix Zapata, Francisco Leganés, Francisca Fernández-Piñas and Roberto Rosal
Year of Publication: 2019
Published: Marine Pollution Bulletin

Abstract:
This work studied the accumulation of plastic debris in a remote beach located in La Graciosa island (Chinijo archipelago, Canary Islands). Microplastics were sampled in the 1–5 mm mesh opening range. An average plastic density of 36.3 g/m² was obtained with a large variability along the 90 m of the beach (from 8.5 g/m² to 103.4 g/m²). Microplastic particles preferentially accumulated in the part of the beach protected by rocks. A total number of 9149 plastic particles were collected, recorded and measured, 87% of which corresponded to fragments. Clear colours and microscopic evidence of weathering corresponded to aged plastics wind-driven by the surface Canary Current. The chemical composition of plastics particles corresponded to PE (63%), PP (32%) and PS (3%). Higher PE/PP ratios were recorded in the more protected parts of the beach, suggesting preferential accumulation of more aged fragments.

Keywords:
Marine debris, marine pollution, microplastics, FTIR, Raman

Citation:
Edo, C., Tamayo-Belda, M., Martínez-Campos, D., Martín-Betancor, K., González-Pleiter, M., Pulido-Reyes, G., García-Ruiza, C., Zapata, F., Leganés, F., Fernández-Piñas, F., Rosal, R. (2019): Occurrence and identification of microplastics along a beach in the Biosphere Reserve of Lanzarote. Marine Pollution Bulletin 143:220–227

Link:
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.04.061

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Occurrence, sources, human health impacts and mitigation of microplastic pollution

Author: Samaneh Karbalaei, Parichehr Hanachi, Tony R. Walker, Matthew Cole
Year of Publication: 2018
Published: Environmental Science and Pollution Research 25(36): 36046–36063

Abstract:
The presence and accumulation of plastic and microplastic (MP) debris in the natural environment is of increasing concern and has become the focus of attention for many researchers. Plastic debris is a prolific, long-lived pollutant that is highly resistant to environmental degradation, readily adheres hydrophobic persistent organic pollutants and is linked to morbidity and mortality in numerous aquatic organisms. The prevalence of MPs within the natural environment is a symptom of continuous and rapid growth in synthetic plastic production and mismanagement of plastic waste. Many terrestrial and marine-based processes, including domestic and industrial drainage, maritime activities agricultural runoff and wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) effluent, contribute to MP pollution in aquatic environments. MPs have been identified in food consumed by human and in air samples, and exposure to MPs via ingestion or inhalation could lead to adverse human health effects. Regulations in many countries have already been established or will soon be implemented to reduce MPs in aquatic environments. This review focuses on the occurrence, sources, and transport of MPs in terrestrial and aquatic environments to highlight potential human health effects, and applicable regulations to mitigate impacts of MPs. This study also highlights the importance of personality traits and cognitive ability in reducing the entry of MPs into the environment.

Keywords:
Microplastics, Microfibers, Marine freshwater and terrestrial microplastics, Controlling sources of microplastics

Citation:
Karbalaei, S., Hanachi, P., Walker, T.R., Cole, M., 2018. Occurrence, sources, human health impacts and mitigation of microplastic pollution. Environmental Science and Pollution Research 25(36): 36046–36063. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s1135.

Link:
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11356-018-3508-7

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Sources and fate of microplastics in urban areas: A focus on Paris megacity

Author: Rachid Dris, Johnny Gasperi and Bruno Tassin
Year of Publication: 2018
Published: Wagner M., Lambert S. (eds.). Freshwater Microplastics. The Handbook of Environmental Chemistry, vol 58. Springer, Cham

Abstract:
Since the beginning of the 2010s, the number of investigations on microplastics in freshwater increased dramatically. However, almost no study aims at investigating the various sources and fate of microplastics in a catchment. This chapter aims at analyzing the various sources and fate of microplastics for an urban catchment and its hydrosystem (sewage, runoff, etc.). It presents the results obtained during a 3-year study of the Paris Megacity. Such a study required the development of appropriate sampling strategies for each compartment. It was highlighted that fibers are highly concentrated in the studied area, and therefore a focus in this category of microplastics was carried out. The atmospheric fallout exhibited important levels of fibers. However, at the scale of the Parisian agglomeration, wastewater treatment plant disposals and combined sewer overflows represent the major sources (number of fibers introduced per year) among the studied ones.

Keywords:
Fibers, Freshwater, Microplastics, Plastic pollution, Urban areas, Urban impact

Citation:
Dris, R., Gasperi, J., Tassin, B., 2018c. Sources and fate of microplastics in urban areas: A focus on Paris megacity. In: Wagner M., Lambert S. (eds.). Freshwater Microplastics. The Handbook of Environmental Chemistry, vol 58. Springer, Cham.

Link:
https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-319-61615-5_4#citeas

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Synthetic fibers in atmospheric fallout: A source of microplastics in the environment?

Author: Rachid Dris, Johnny Gasperi, Mohamed Saad, Cécile Mirande and Bruno Tassin
Year of Publication: 2016
Published: Marine Pollution Bulletin 104: 290–293

Abstract:
Sources, pathways and reservoirs of microplastics, plastic particles smaller than 5 mm, remain poorly documented in an urban context. While some studies pointed out wastewater treatment plants as a potential pathway of microplastics, none have focused on the atmospheric compartment. In this work, the atmospheric fallout of microplastics was investigated in two different urban and sub-urban sites. Microplastics were collected continuously with a stainless steel funnel. Samples were then filtered and observed with a stereomicroscope. Fibers accounted for almost all the microplastics collected. An atmospheric fallout between 2 and 355 particles/m²/day was highlighted. Registered fluxes were systematically higher at the urban than at the sub-urban site. Chemical characterization allowed to estimate at 29% the proportion of these fibers being all synthetic (made with petrochemicals), or a mixture of natural and synthetic material. Extrapolation using weight and volume estimates of the collected fibers, allowed a rough estimation showing that between 3 and 10 tons of fibers are deposited by atmospheric fallout at the scale of the Parisian agglomeration every year (2500 km²). These results could serve the scientific community working on the different sources of microplastic in both continental and marine environments.

Keywords:
Microplastics, Urban environment, Atmospheric fallout, Microplastic sources, Synthetic fibers

Citation:
Dris, R., Gasperi, J., Saad, M., Mirande, C., Tassin, B., 2016. Synthetic fibers in atmospheric fallout: A source of microplastics in the environment? Marine Pollution Bulletin 104: 290–293.

Link:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X16300066

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Synthetic and non-synthetic anthropogenic fibers in a river under the impact of Paris Megacity: Sampling methodological aspects and flux estimations

Author: Rachid Dris, Johnny Gasperi, Vincent Rocher and Bruno Tassin
Year of Publication: 2018
Published: Science of the Total Environment 618: 157–164

Abstract:
Processed fibers are highly present in our daily life and can be either natural, artificial (regenerated cellulose) and synthetic (made with petrochemicals). Their widespread use lead inevitably to a high contamination of environment. Previous studies focus on plastic particles regardless of their type or shape as long as they are comprised between 330μm and 5mm. On the contrary, this study focuses exclusively on fibers using a smaller mesh size net (80μm) to sample freshwater. Moreover, all processed organic fibers are considered, irrespective to their nature. First, the short term temporal variability of the fibers in the environment was assessed. While exposing the sampling net during 1min a coefficient of variation of approx. 45% (with n=6) was determined. It was of only 26% (n=6) when the exposure was of 3min. The assessment of the distribution through the section showed a possible difference in concentrations between the middle of the water surface and the river banks which could be attributed to the intense river traffic within the Paris Megacity. The vertical variability seems negligible as turbulence and current conditions homogenize the distribution of the fibers. A monthly monitoring showed concentrations of 100.6±99.9fibers·m-3 in the Marne River and of: 48.5±98.5, 27.9±26.3, 27.9±40.3 and 22.1±25.3fibers·m-3 from the upstream to downstream points in the Seine River. Once these concentrations are converted into fluxes, it seems that the impact generated by the Paris Megacity cannot be distinguished. Investigations on the role of sedimentation and deposition on the banks are required. This study helped fill some major knowledge gaps regarding the fibers in rivers, their sampling, occurrence, spatial-temporal distribution and fluxes. It is encouraged that future studies include both synthetic and none synthetic fibers.

Keywords:
Fibers, Freshwater, Microplastic sampling, Microplastics, Synthetic fibers

Citation:
Dris, R., Gasperi, J., Rocher, V., Tassin, B., 2018b. Synthetic and non-synthetic anthropogenic fibers in a river under the impact of Paris Megacity: Sampling methodological aspects and flux estimations. Science of the Total Environment 618: 157–164.

Link:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969717330723?via%3Dihub

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Microplastic contamination in the Seine River: Spatial and temporal variations of synthetic and non-synthetic fibers

Author: Rachid Dris, Johnny Gasperi, Vincent Rocher and Bruno Tassin
Year of Publication: 2018
Published: Techniques - Sciences - Methodes 5: 45–53

Abstract:
Processed fibers are highly present in our daily life and can be either natural, artificial (regenerated cellulose) or synthetic (made with petrochemicals). Their widespread use leads to a high contamination of the environment. Previous studies focus on plastic particles regardless of their type or shape as long as they are smaller than 5 mm. On the contrary, this study focuses exclusively on fibers using a smaller mesh size net (80 μm) to sample freshwater. First, the short term temporal variability of the fibers in the environment was assessed. While exposing the sampling net during 1 minute, a coefficient of variation of approx. 45% (with n = 6) was determined. It was of only 26% (n = 6) when the exposure was of 3 minutes. The assessment of the distribution through the section showed a possible difference in concentrations between the middle of the water surface and the river banks which could be attributed to the intense river traffic within the Paris Megacity. The vertical variability seems negligible as turbulence and current conditions homogenize the distribution of the fibers. A monthly monitoring showed concentrations of 100.6 ± 99.9 fibers/m³ in the Marne River and of 48.5 ± 98.5, 27.9 ± 26.3, 27.9 ± 40.3 and 22.1 ± 25.3 fibers/m³ from the upstream to downstream points in the Seine River. Once these concentrations are converted into fluxes, it seems that the impact generated by the Paris Megacity cannot be distinguished. Investigations on the role of sedimentation and deposition on the banks are required. This study helped fill some major knowledge gaps regarding the fibers in rivers, their sampling, occurrence, spatial-temporal distribution and fluxes. It is encouraged that future studies include both synthetic and none synthetic fibers.

Keywords:
Fibers, Microplastics, Seine River, Paris Agglomeration, Plastics

Citation:
Dris, R., Gasperi, J., Rocher, V., Tassin, B., 2018a. Microplastic contamination in the Seine River: Spatial and temporal variations of synthetic and non-synthetic fibers. Techniques – Sciences – Methodes 5: 45–53.

Link:
https://astee-tsm.fr/articles/tsm/abs/2018/04/tsm201805p45/tsm201805p45.html

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A first overview of textile fibers, including microplastics, in indoor and outdoor environments

Author: Rachid Dris, Johnny Gasperi, Cécile Mirande, Corinne Mandin, Mohamed Guerrouache, Valérie Langlois and Bruno Tassin
Year of Publication: 2017
Published: Environmental Pollution 221: 453–458

Abstract:
Studies about microplastics in various environments highlighted the ubiquity of anthropogenic fibers. As a follow-up of a recent study that emphasized the presence of man-made fibers in atmospheric fallout, this study is the first one to investigate fibers in indoor and outdoor air. Three different indoor sites were considered: two private apartments and one office. In parallel, the outdoor air was sampled in one site. The deposition rate of the fibers and their concentration in settled dust collected from vacuum cleaner bags were also estimated. Overall, indoor concentrations ranged between 1.0 and 60.0 fibers/m³. Outdoor concentrations are significantly lower as they range between 0.3 and 1.5 fibers/m³. The deposition rate of the fibers in indoor environments is between 1586 and 11,130 fibers/day/m² leading to an accumulation of fibers in settled dust (190–670 fibers/mg). Regarding fiber type, 67% of the analyzed fibers in indoor environments are made of natural material, primarily cellulosic, while the remaining 33% fibers contain petrochemicals with polypropylene being predominant. Such fibers are observed in marine and continental studies dealing with microplastics. The observed fibers are supposedly too large to be inhaled but the exposure may occur through dust ingestion, particularly for young children.

Keywords:
Indoor air, Outdoor air, Microplastics, Dust, Synthetic fibers

Citation:
Dris, R., Gasperi, J., Mirande, C., Mandin, C., Guerrouache, M., Langlois, V., Tassin, B., 2017. A first overview of textile fibers, including microplastics, in indoor and outdoor environments. Environmental Pollution 221: 453–458.

Link:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0269749116312325

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Anthropogenic particles in the stomach contents and liver of the freshwater fish Squalius cephalus

Author: France Collard, Johnny Gasperi, Bernard Gilbert, Gauthier Eppe, Sam Azimi, Vincent Rocher and BrunoTassin
Year of Publication: 2018
Published: Science of the Total Environment 643: 1257–1264

Abstract:
Anthropogenic particles (APs) are a very broad category of particles produced directly or indirectly by human activities. Their ingestion by biota is well studied in the marine environment. In contrast, studies on AP ingestion in wild freshwater organisms are scarce despite high contamination levels in some rivers and lakes. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the ingestion of APs and the possible occurrence of APs in the liver and muscle of a freshwater fish, Squalius cephalus, from the Parisian conurbation. After isolation, the particles were analyzed using Raman spectroscopy. In sixty stomachs, eighteen APs were found, half of which were plastics and the other half were dyed particles. Twenty-five percent of sampled individuals had ingested at least one AP. The mean length of the APs was 2.41 mm. No significant difference was found between the sites upstream and downstream of Paris. Additionally, 5% of sampled livers contained one or more APs, which were characterized as microplastics (MPs). No APs were found in the muscle tissue. The majority of APs isolated from stomach contents were fibers, which is similar to the findings of a previous river contamination study. This highlights that fish could be more exposed to fibers than previously thought and that more studies on the impacts of fiber ingestion are required. Despite their low occurrence, MPs are reported, for the first time, in the liver of a wild freshwater fish species. While the pathways and impacts are still unknown, MPs also occur in liver of marine mollusks and fish. Physiological in vitro studies are needed to better evaluate the impacts of such phenomena.

Keywords:
Microplastics, Fibers, Seine River, European chub, Muscle, Liver

Citation:
Collard, F., Gasperi, J., Gilbert, B., Eppe, G., Azimi, S., Rocher, V., Tassin, B., 2018. Anthropogenic particles in the stomach contents and liver of the freshwater fish Squalius cephalus. Science of the Total Environment 643: 1257–1264.

Link:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969718323891

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More Than a Potential Hazard – Approaching Risks from a Social-Ecological Perspective

Author: Carolin Völker, Johanna Kramm, Heide Kerber, Engelbert Schramm, Martina Winker and Martin Zimmermann
Year of Publication: 2017
Published: Sustainability. Special Issue “Social Ecology. State of the Art and Future Prospects” 9 (7), 1039

Abstract:
Risks have been classically understood as a probability of damage or a potential hazard resulting in appropriate management strategies. However, research on environmental issues such as pollutants in the aquatic environment or the impacts of climate change have shown that classical management approaches do not sufficiently cover these interactions between society and nature. There have been several attempts to develop interdisciplinary approaches to risk that include natural as well as social science contributions. In this paper, the authors aim at developing a social-ecological perspective on risk by drawing on the concept of societal relations to nature and the model of provisioning systems. This perspective is used to analyze four cases, pharmaceuticals, microplastics, semicentralized water infrastructures and forest management, with regard to risk identification, assessment and management. Finally, the paper aims at developing a perspective on risks which takes into account non-intended side-effects, system interdependencies and uncertainty.

Keywords:
pharmaceuticals, microplastics, semicentralized water infrastructures, forest management, provisioning system, normal operation

Citation:
Völker, C.; Kramm, J.; Kerber, H.; Schramm, E.; Winker, M.; Zimmermann, M. (2017): More Than a Potential Hazard—Approaching Risks from a Social-Ecological Perspective. In: Sustainability. Special Issue “Social Ecology. State of the Art and Future Prospects”. 9 (7), 1039.

Link:
https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/a7dd/1d75f0d03eff1a8953d355fb7302cd423144.pdf