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Oluwoye I, Tanaka S, Okuda K. Pilot-scale performance of gravity-driven ultra-high flux fabric membrane systems for removing small-sized microplastics in wastewater treatment plant effluents. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 363:121438. [PMID: 38861885 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.121438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
The ubiquitous nature and environmental impacts of microplastic particles and fibers demand effective solutions to remove such micropollutants from sizable point sources, including wastewater treatment plants and road runoff facilities. While advanced methods, e.g., microfiltration and ultrafiltration, have shown high removal efficiencies of small-sized microplastics (<150 μm), the low flux encountered in these systems implies high operation costs and makes them less effective in high-capacity wastewater facilities. The issue presents new opportunities for developing cheap high-flux membrane systems, deployable in low-to high-income economies, to remove small-sized microplastic and nanoplastics in wastewater. Here, we report on developing an ultra-high flux gravity-driven fabric membrane system, assessed through a laboratory-scale filtration and large-scale performance in an actual wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). The method followed a carefully designed water sampling, pre-treatment protocol, and analytical measurements involving Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and laser direct infrared (LDIR) imaging. The result shows that the ultra-high flux (permeance = 550,000 L/m2h⋅bar) fabric membrane system can effectively remove small-sized microplastics (10-300 μm) in the secondary effluent of an actual WWTP at high efficiency greater than 96 %. The pilot system demonstrated a continuous treatment capacity of 300,000 L/day through a 1 m2 surface area disc, with steady removal rates of microplastics. These findings demonstrate the practical, cheap, and sustainable removal of small-sized microplastics in wastewater treatment plants, and their potential value for other large-scale point sources, e.g., stormwater treatment facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibukun Oluwoye
- Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies, Kyoto University, Yoshidahonmachi, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan; Curtin Corrosion Centre, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth, WA 6845, Australia.
| | - Shuhei Tanaka
- Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies, Kyoto University, Yoshidahonmachi, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan
| | - Kensuke Okuda
- Metawater R&D Center, Water Regeneration Technology Development Department, Tokyo, 101-0041, Japan
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Acarer Arat S. A review of microplastics in wastewater treatment plants in Türkiye: Characteristics, removal efficiency, mitigation strategies for microplastic pollution and future perspective. WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY : A JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION ON WATER POLLUTION RESEARCH 2024; 89:1771-1786. [PMID: 38619902 DOI: 10.2166/wst.2024.082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
The effluent of WWTPs is an important source of microplastics (MP) for the aquatic environment. In this review study, MPs in wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) in Türkiye and their removal from WWTPs are reviewed for the first time. First, MP characteristics in the influent and effluent of WWTPs in Türkiye are discussed. In the next section, the abundance of MPs in the influent and effluent of WWTPs in Türkiye and the MP removal efficiency of WWTPs in Türkiye are evaluated. Then, the results of studies on MP abundance and characteristics in Türkiye's aquatic environments are presented and suggestions are made to reduce MPs released from WWTPs into the receiving environments. Strategies for reducing MPs released to the receiving environment from WWTPs of Türkiye are summarized. In the last section, research gaps regarding MPs in WWTPs in Türkiye are identified and suggestions are made for future studies. This review paper provides a comprehensive assessment of the abundance, dominant characteristics, and removal of MPs in WWTPs in Türkiye, as well as the current status and deficiencies in Türkiye. Therefore, this review can serve as a scientific guide to improve the MP removal efficiency of WWTPs in Türkiye.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seren Acarer Arat
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Avcılar, 34320 Istanbul, Türkiye E-mail:
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Acarer S. A review of microplastic removal from water and wastewater by membrane technologies. WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY : A JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION ON WATER POLLUTION RESEARCH 2023; 88:199-219. [PMID: 37452543 PMCID: wst_2023_186 DOI: 10.2166/wst.2023.186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) cannot be completely removed from water/wastewater in conventional wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs). According to the literature analysis, membrane technologies, one of the advanced treatment technologies, are the most effective and promising technologies for MP removal from water and wastewater. In this paper, firstly, the properties of MPs commonly present in WWTPs/DWTPs and the MP removal efficiency of WWTPs/DWTPs are briefly reviewed. In addition, research studies on MP removal from water/wastewater by microfiltration (MF), ultrafiltration (UF), nanofiltration (NF), reverse osmosis (RO), and membrane bioreactors (MBRs) are reviewed. In the next section, membrane filtration is compared with other methods used for MP removal from water/wastewater, and the advantages/disadvantages of the removal methods are discussed. Moreover, the problem of membrane fouling with MPs during filtration and the potential for MP release from polymeric membrane structure to water/wastewater are discussed. Finally, based on the studies in the literature, the current status and research deficiencies of MP removal by membrane technologies are identified, and recommendations are made for further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seren Acarer
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, İstanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Avcılar, İstanbul 34320, Turkey E-mail:
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Sharma A, Kumari S, Chopade RL, Pandit PP, Rai AR, Nagar V, Awasthi G, Singh A, Awasthi KK, Sankhla MS. An assessment of the impact of structure and type of microplastics on ultrafiltration technology for microplastic remediation. Sci Prog 2023; 106:368504231176399. [PMID: 37321675 PMCID: PMC10358477 DOI: 10.1177/00368504231176399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic, which is of size less than 5 mm, is gaining a lot of attention as it has become a new arising contaminant because of its ecophysiology impact on the aquatic environment. These microplastics are found in freshwater or drinking water and are the major carriers of pollutants. Removal of this microplastic can be done through the primary treatment process, secondary treatment process, and tertiary treatment process. One approach for microplastic remediation is ultrafiltration technology, which involves passing water through a membrane with small pores to filter out the microplastics. However, the efficiency of this technology can be affected by the structure and type of microplastics present in the water. New strategies can be created to improve the technology and increase its efficacy in removing microplastics from water by knowing how various types and shapes of microplastics react during ultrafiltration. The filter-based technique, that is, ultrafiltration has achieved the best performance for the removal of microplastic. But with the ultrafiltration, too some microplastic that are of sizes less than of ultrafiltration membrane passes through the filter and enters the food chain. Accumulation of this microplastic on the membrane also leads to membrane fouling. Through this review article, we have assessed the impact of the structure, size, and type of MPs on ultrafiltration technology for microplastic remediation, with that how these factors affect the efficiency of the filtration process and challenges occur during filtration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anuj Sharma
- Department of Forensic Science, Vivekananda Global University, Jaipur, India
| | - Supriya Kumari
- Department of Forensic Science, Vivekananda Global University, Jaipur, India
| | - Rushikesh L Chopade
- Department of Forensic Science, Vivekananda Global University, Jaipur, India
| | - Pritam P Pandit
- Department of Forensic Science, Vivekananda Global University, Jaipur, India
| | - Abhishek R Rai
- Department of Forensic Science, Vivekananda Global University, Jaipur, India
| | - Varad Nagar
- Department of Forensic Science, Vivekananda Global University, Jaipur, India
| | - Garima Awasthi
- Department of Life Sciences, Vivekananda Global University, Jaipur, India
| | - Apoorva Singh
- Central Forensic Science Laboratory, Chandigarh, India
| | - Kumud Kant Awasthi
- Department of Life Sciences, Vivekananda Global University, Jaipur, India
| | - Mahipal Singh Sankhla
- Department of Forensic Science, University Centre for Research and Development (UCRD), Chandigarh University, Mohali, India
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Mehmood T, Mustafa B, Mackenzie K, Ali W, Sabir RI, Anum W, Gaurav GK, Riaz U, Liu X, Peng L. Recent developments in microplastic contaminated water treatment: Progress and prospects of carbon-based two-dimensional materials for membranes separation. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 316:137704. [PMID: 36592840 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.137704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Micro (nano)plastics pollution is a noxious menace not only for mankind but also for marine life, as removing microplastics (MPs) is challenging due to their physiochemical properties, composition, and response toward salinity and pH. This review provides a detailed assessment of the MPs pollution in different water types, environmental implications, and corresponding treatment strategies. With the advancement in nanotechnology, mitigation strategies for aqueous pollution are seen, especially due to the fabrication of nanosheets/membranes mostly utilized as a filtration process. Two-dimensional (2D) materials are increasingly used for membranes due to their diverse structure, affinity, cost-effectiveness, and, most importantly, removal efficiency. The popular 2D materials used for membrane-based organic and inorganic pollutants from water mainly include graphene and MXenes however their effectiveness for MPs removal is still in its infancy. Albeit, the available literature asserts a 70- 99% success rate in micro/nano plastics removal achieved through membranes fabricated via graphene oxide (GO), reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and MXene membranes. This review examined existing membrane separation strategies for MPs removal, focusing on the structural properties of 2D materials, composite, and how they adsorb pollutants and underlying physicochemical mechanisms. Since MPs and other contaminants commonly coexist in the natural environment, a brief examination of the response of 2D membranes to MPs removal was also conducted. In addition, the influencing factors regulate MPs removal performance of membranes by impacting their two main operating routes (filtration and adsorption). Finally, significant limitations, research gaps, and future prospects of 2D material-based membranes for effectively removing MPs are also proposed. The conclusion is that the success of 2D material is strongly linked to the types, size of MPs, and characteristics of aqueous media. Future perspectives talk about the problems that need to be solved to get 2D material-based membranes out of the lab and onto the market.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tariq Mehmood
- College of Ecology and Environment, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan Province, 570228, China; Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Department of Environmental Engineering, Permoserstr. 15, D-04318 Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Beenish Mustafa
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, School of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Katrin Mackenzie
- Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Department of Environmental Engineering, Permoserstr. 15, D-04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Wahid Ali
- Department of Chemical Engineering Technology, College of Applied Industrial Technology (CAIT), Jazan University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Raja Irfan Sabir
- Faculty of Management Sciences, University of Central Punjab, Lahore; Pakistan
| | - Wajiha Anum
- Regional Agricultural Research Institute, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
| | - Gajendra Kumar Gaurav
- Sustainable Process Integration Laboratory, SPIL, NETME Centre, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Brno University of Technology, VUT Brno, Technická 2896/2, 616 69, Brno, Czech Republic; School of Physics and Electronic Information, Yan'an University, Yan'an, 716000, China
| | - Umair Riaz
- Department of Soil and Environmental Sciences, Muhammad Nawaz Shareef University of Agriculture, Multan, 60000, Pakistan
| | - Xinghui Liu
- School of Physics and Electronic Information, Yan'an University, Yan'an, 716000, China; Department of Materials Science and Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077 China
| | - Licheng Peng
- College of Ecology and Environment, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan Province, 570228, China; Key Laboratory of Agro-Forestry Environmental Processes and Ecological Regulation of Hainan Province, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan Province, 570228, China.
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Mukherjee AG, Wanjari UR, Bradu P, Patil M, Biswas A, Murali R, Renu K, Dey A, Vellingiri B, Raja G, Iyer M, Valsala Gopalakrishnan A. Elimination of microplastics from the aquatic milieu: A dream to achieve. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 303:135232. [PMID: 35671819 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.135232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) have become a significant source of concern as they have emerged as a widespread pollutant that harms the aquatic environment. It has become an enormous challenge, having the capacity to biomagnify and eventually affect human health, biodiversity, aquatic animals, and the environment. This review provides in-depth knowledge of how MPs interact with different toxic organic chemicals, antibiotics, and heavy metals in the aquatic environment and its consequences. Membrane technologies like ultrafiltration (UF), nanofiltration (NF), microfiltration (MF), and dynamic membranes can be highly effective techniques for the removal of MPs. Also, hybrid membrane techniques like advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), membrane fouling, electrochemical processes, and adsorption processes can be incorporated for superior efficiency. The review also focuses on the reactor design and performance of several membrane-based filters and bioreactors to develop practical, feasible, and sustainable membrane technologies. The main aim of this work is to throw light on the alarming scenario of microplastic pollution in the aquatic milieu and strategies that can be adopted to tackle it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anirban Goutam Mukherjee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632014, India
| | - Uddesh Ramesh Wanjari
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632014, India
| | - Pragya Bradu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632014, India
| | - Megha Patil
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632014, India
| | - Antara Biswas
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632014, India
| | - Reshma Murali
- Department of Biosciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632014, India
| | - Kaviyarasi Renu
- Centre of Molecular Medicine and Diagnostics (COMManD), Department of Biochemistry, Saveetha Dental College & Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, 600077, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Abhijit Dey
- Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700073, India
| | - Balachandar Vellingiri
- Human Molecular Cytogenetics and Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Biology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, 641046, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Ganesan Raja
- Institute for Liver and Digestive Diseases, Hallym University, Chuncheon, 24252, Republic of Korea
| | - Mahalaxmi Iyer
- Livestock Farming & Bioresources Technology, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Abilash Valsala Gopalakrishnan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632014, India.
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Ultra-Low-Pressure Membrane Filtration for Simultaneous Recovery of Detergent and Water from Laundry Wastewater. MEMBRANES 2022; 12:membranes12060591. [PMID: 35736298 PMCID: PMC9230658 DOI: 10.3390/membranes12060591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Reusing water and excess detergent from the laundry industry has become an attractive method to combat water shortages. Membrane filtration is considered an advanced technique and highly attractive due to its excellent advantages. However, the conventional membrane filtration method suffers from membrane fouling, which restricts its performance and diminishes its economic viability. This study assesses the preliminary performance of submerged, gravity-driven membrane filtration—under ultra-low trans-membrane pressure (△P) of <0.1 bar—to combat membrane fouling issues for detergent and water recovery from laundry wastewater. The results show that even under ultra-low pressure, the membrane suffered from compaction that lowered its permeability by 14% under △P of 6 and 10 kPa, with corresponding permeabilities of 2085 ± 259 and 1791 ± 42 L/(m2 h bar). Filtration of a detergent solution also led to up to 8% permeability loss due to membrane fouling. During the filtration of laundry wastewater, 80−91% permeability loss was observed, leading to the lowest flux of 15.6 L/(m2·h) at △P of 10 kPa, 38% lower than △P of 6 kPa (of 25.2 L/(m2·h)). High △P led to both the membrane and the foulant compaction inflating the filtration resistance. The system could recover 83.6% of excess residual detergent, while most micelles were rejected (ascribed from 71% of COD removal). The TDS content could not be retained, disallowing maximum resource recovery. A gravity-driven filtration system can be self-sustained with minimum supervision in residential and industrial laundries. Nevertheless, a detailed study on long-term filtration performance and multiple cleaning cycles is still required in the future.
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Šaravanja A, Pušić T, Dekanić T. Microplastics in Wastewater by Washing Polyester Fabrics. MATERIALS 2022; 15:ma15072683. [PMID: 35408015 PMCID: PMC9000408 DOI: 10.3390/ma15072683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics have become one of the most serious environmental hazards today, raising fears that concentrations will continue to rise even further in the near future. Micro/nanoparticles are formed when plastic breaks down into tiny fragments due to mechanical or photochemical processes. Microplastics are everywhere, and they have a strong tendency to interact with the ecosystem, putting biogenic fauna and flora at risk. Polyester (PET) and polyamide (PA) are two of the most important synthetic fibres, accounting for about 60% of the total world fibre production. Synthetic fabrics are now widely used for clothing, carpets, and a variety of other products. During the manufacturing or cleaning process, synthetic textiles have the potential to release microplastics into the environment. The focus of this paper is to explore the main potential sources of microplastic pollution in the environment, providing an overview of washable polyester materials.
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