How to remove microplastics in wastewater? A cost-effectiveness analysis

Millions of tonnes plastic litter end up annually in the environment causing damage to ecosystem. There are currently no standards regulating amount microplastic wastewater, and question is, should there be? Answering this requires an understanding damages causes its removal potential from wastewater. This paper examines cost-effectiveness three wastewater treatment (activated sludge, rapid sand filtering membrane bioreactor) two sludge management technologies (anaerobic digestion incineration), terms their capacity regarding aquatic terrestrial ecosystems. We find removing technically feasible cost-effective. Membrane bioreactor with incineration preventing removed microlitter accumulating soils is most cost-effective option. gives grounds for extending government regulation microplastics plants. Policy targeting companies using products however, necessary solve problem ultimately.