Transport and fate of mi̇croplasti̇c parti̇cles i̇n wastewater treatment plants

Microplastics are less than 5 mm in size. In this study, in order to determine the fate of microplastics in the treatment plant, it was determined as a result of the analyzes carried out on samples taken at 4 different times at the points determined in Bursa East Wastewater Treatment Plant (inlet, sand trap outlet, outlet water and return activated sludge). After the preliminary procedures, firstly the shape, color and size classification were made and then the species were determined by FTIR analysis. In this way, microplastics are categorized into 4 different classes. Microplastics are divided into 3 categories as fragment+film, fiber and spherical. Similar shades of colors to be counted together; black-dark blue, blue, red-orange-pink, green, purple, brown-cream-yellow and white-gray. Microplastics were divided into 3 categories in size (0.3 mm - 0.5 mm, 0.5 mm - 1 mm and 1 mm - 5 mm). Species classification is divided into 8 categories as PMMA, PE, PEVA, PES, PET, PA, PP, PAA. The dominant plastic in the inlet water is fragment+film (60 %). The dominant color is black-dark blue (40 %) and the size range of microplastic is 0.3 mm - 0.5 mm (94.1 %). The dominant polymer specie is PE (28.27 %). The dominant plastic in the sand trap outlet effluent is fragment+film (55%). The dominant color is black-dark blue (43 %) and the size range of microplastic is 0.3 mm - 0.5 mm (93.09 %). The dominant polymer specie is PEVA (23.68 %). The dominant plastic in the effluent is fragment+film (61%). The dominant color is black-dark blue (44 %) and the size range of microplastic is 0.3 mm - 0.5 mm (94.1 %). FTIR analysis could not be performed because the particle size in the leaving water was very small. The dominant plastic in the recycle sludge is fragment+film (54 %). The dominant color is black-dark blue (46 %) and the size range of microplastic is 0.3 mm - 0.5 mm (89.53 %). The dominant polymer specie is PES (28.89 %). Bursa East Wastewater Treatment Plant microplastic removal efficiency is approximately 93% . The organic materials in the wastewater are decayed, but they are not biodegradable, such as plastics. Most of these microplastics are removed with mud. Microplastic pollution is extremely important so it must be prevented before contamination occurs. Microplastic removal efficiencies of wastewater producing plants should be increased. The use of microbeads used in cosmetic products should be banned, textile products should be developed and the sale of non-plastic products in its content is supported. Filters should used in washing machine discharges. Improved waste management should be and management of waste management should be supervised. The most important aim is to prevent waste generation and to ensure recycling.