Microplastic accumulation hotspots in wastewater treatment plants as leverage points for PET valorization and overall emission mitigation
Abstract
in dewatering water. Micro-PET was detected in filter wash water, supporting the feasibility of the proposed recovery concept; however, its absence in dewatering water suggests that applicability may depend on the composition of the incoming wastewater and on process-specific factors. The optimized separation protocol showed robust and reproducible performance, enabling micro-PET enrichment from complex wastewater- and sludge-derived matrices despite high biomass loads and biofilm-coated particles. Overall, the results suggest that integrating microplastic mitigation with selective polymer recovery could represent a first step towards more resource-oriented wastewater management.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Microplastics and Plastic Pollution
biodegradable polymer synthesis and properties
Recycling and Waste Management Techniques
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Journal of Environmental Management
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Volume
- 408
- Pages
- 129980–129980
- Publication date
- 1 May 2026
- Language
- EN