Industrial wastewater pretreatment steps as an important barrier for microplastics emissions into the aquatic environment

Journal of Water Process Engineering 2026 Open access

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Authors: Luisa Barkmann, Felix Steinfeld, Hajo Bitter, Sebastian Wolff, Susanne Lackner, Markus Engelhart
DOI: 10.1016/j.jwpe.2026.109936
Cited by: 1
References: 26

Abstract

In the debate on microplastic (MP) pathways into the environment, the plastics industry is often highlighted but rarely examined in detail. This study investigates MP emissions captured during wastewater pretreatment at eleven industrial plants in Germany, focusing on plastic producing and processing facilities that produce MP-sized products (

Fields of Study & Subjects

Microplastics and Plastic Pollution biodegradable polymer synthesis and properties Marine Biology and Environmental Chemistry

Publication details

Journal / source
Journal of Water Process Engineering
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Volume
86
Pages
109936–109936
Publication date
28 March 2026
Language
EN