Can Waste Water Plants Treat Micro Plastics?

Micro plastics are increasingly becoming a concern due to their presence in water bodies and their impact on the environment. These tiny particles can be harmful to marine life and enter the food chain, leading to serious health concerns for humans as well. While many efforts have been made to reduce the use of plastics, they are still ubiquitous in our daily lives. Thus, the question arises: can waste water plants treat micro plastics?

The Challenge of Micro Plastics

Micro plastics refer to tiny plastic particles that are smaller than 5 millimeters and can be as small as a few microns. These particles can be found in cosmetics, clothing, and everyday items such as water bottles and straws. They can enter the waterways through various means, such as stormwater runoff, sewage, and industrial discharge. The challenge with micro plastics is that they are too small to be easily filtered or removed by traditional waste water treatment methods.

The Role of Waste Water Plants

A wastewater treatment plant is designed to remove pollutants, pathogens, and suspended solids from wastewater before releasing it into water bodies. While these plants are not designed to remove micro plastics, they can play a part in reducing their presence in water bodies. This can be done in several ways.

Screening and Filtration

Waste water treatment plants can install screens and filters to remove larger plastic debris from incoming sewage. This can prevent large pieces from entering the waterways and breaking down into smaller particles. However, this method is not effective in removing micro plastics, as most are too small to be caught by conventional filters.

Chemical Treatment

Chemical treatment involves the use of various chemicals to break down pollutants in wastewater. Some studies have shown that certain chemicals, such as ozone and peroxide, can break down micro plastics. However, this method is still in the experimental stage and needs further research to determine its effectiveness and impact on the environment.

Biological Treatment

Biological treatment involves using microorganisms to break down pollutants in wastewater. Some studies have shown that activated sludge, a mixture of microorganisms used in wastewater treatment, can break down micro plastics. However, this method is not yet widely employed and further research is needed to determine its effectiveness.

The Bottom Line

While waste water plants can play a role in reducing the presence of micro plastics in water bodies, they are not yet equipped to remove them entirely. Efforts need to be made to reduce the use of plastics and improve waste management practices to prevent these particles from entering waterways in the first place. Additionally, research into alternative waste water treatment methods is needed to find a more effective solution for removing micro plastics from wastewater.