Microplastics Removal from a Plastic Recycling Industrial Wastewater Using Sand Filtration

The removal of microplastic from wastewater collected a plastic recycling facility was investigated, using laboratory scale sand-filter. Wastewater samples were before and after the onsite sand-filter, for characterization different polymer types, sizes, shapes. A considerable difference in characteristics concentrations microplastics observed sand-filtration, demonstrating differences source and/or potential contamination sand-filter operated at facility. distribution polymers showed polyethylene polypropylene to be main present samples. In next stage, passed through column, investigate microplastics. high efficiency (up 100%) removing all shapes, effectiveness this well-developed, widely adopted, method wastewater. As green shift circular economy will result more plastics being recycled, study demonstrates need quantification effluents facilities. This is important devising appropriate strategies, meeting discharge regulations that may come into effect future.