Malaysian Journal of Analytical Sciences, Vol 28 No 1 (2024): 79-96

 

MICROPLASTICS POLLUTION MITIGATION IN WASTEWATER TREATMENT: CURRENT PRACTICES, CHALLENGES,

AND FUTURE PERSPECTIVES

 

(Pengurangan Pencemaran Mikroplastik dalam Rawatan Air Sisa: Amalan Semasa, Cabaran dan Perspektif Masa Depan)

 

Rabiatul S. Rusidi1,2, Iwani W. Rushdi1,2, Wan M. Khairul2, Sofiah Hamzah3, Wan Mohd Afiq Wan Mohd Khalik1,2, Sabiqah Tuan Anuar1,2, Nor Salmi Abdullah4, Nasehir Khan E.M. Yahya4, and Alyza A. Azmi1,2,*

 

1Microplastic Research Interest Group (MRIG),

Faculty of Science and Marine Environment,

Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, 21030 Terengganu, Malaysia

2Faculty of Science and Marine Environment,

Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, 21030 Terengganu, Malaysia

3Faculty of Ocean Engineering Technology and Informatics,

Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, 21030 Terengganu, Malaysia

4Water Quality Laboratory,

National Water Research Institute of Malaysia (NAHRIM),

Lot 5377, Jalan Putra Permai, Rizab Melayu Sungai Kuyoh,

43300, Seri Kembangan, Selangor, Malaysia

 

*Corresponding author: alyza.azzura@umt.edu.my

 

 

Received: 17 July 2023; Accepted: 4 November 2023; Published:  28 February 2024

 

 

Abstract

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. While existing technologies offer some level of effectiveness, there is a need for further advancements to ensure more comprehensive microplastic removal. This review offers valuable insights into the current state of microplastic removal in WWTPs, emphasizing the need for continued research to protect both the environment and human health.

 

Keywords: microplastics, chemical contaminants, wastewater treatment plants, removal techniques

 

Abstrak

Mikroplastik telah menjadi tumpuan kerana kesannya yang ketara terhadap alam sekitar dan manusia. Pengumpulan mikroplastik di persekitaran membawa kepada penyebaran bahan pencemar mikro . Aktiviti harian manusia yang melibatkan penggunaan plastik, terutamanya bahan sintetik, mengakibatkan mereka masuk ke dalam loji rawatan air sisa (WWTP). WWTP memainkan peranan penting dalam membuang mikroplastik semasa proses rawatan, Walaubagaimanapun, teknologi sedia ada yang digunakan tidak berkesan sepenuhnya dalam menapis semua zarah mikroplastik. Kajian semula ini memfokuskan kepada sumber dan kewujudan mikroplastik, kaedah semasa yang digunakan untuk penyingkiran mikroplastik di WWTP, dan risiko terhadap kesihatan manusia. Pelbagai kaedah penyingkiran telah dipertimbangkan, termasuk pemendapan dan pengapungan, enap cemar dan pemendapan diaktifkan, osmosis terbalik, dan penapisan pasir pantas. Kecekapan dan keberkesanan setiap kaedah diperiksa secara kritikal, menjelaskan keupayaan dan batasannya dalam mengurangkan pencemaran mikroplastik. Kajian semula ini juga menekankan keperluan untuk penyelidikan dan pembangunan komprehensif yang berterusan untuk meningkatkan keberkesanan penyingkiran mikroplastik dalam WWTP. Strategi untuk mengoptimumkan kaedah penyingkiran sedia ada dan meneroka teknologi baru harus diteruskan untuk mencapai penyingkiran mikroplastik yang lebih komprehensif. Dengan menangani isu mikroplastik di peringkat WWTP, pembebasan zarah ini ke alam sekitar dapat diminimumkan, seterusnya mengurangkan potensi risiko kepada kesihatan manusia. Kesimpulannya, kehadiran mikroplastik dan bahan pencemar mikro yang berkaitan dalam alam sekitar memerlukan strategi penyingkiran yang mantap. Walaupun teknologi semasa menunjukkan beberapa keberkesanan, kemajuan selanjutnya diperlukan bagi memastikan penyingkiran mikroplastik yang lebih cekap dan menyeluruh. Oleh itu, semakan ini memberikan pandangan yang berharga tentang keadaan semasa penyingkiran mikroplastik di WWTP, menekankan kepentingan penyelidikan berterusan untuk menjaga integriti alam sekitar dan kesejahteraan manusia.

 

Kata kunci: mikroplastik, bahan cemar kimia, loji rawatan air sisa, teknik penyingkiran

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