Semi-automated analysis of microplastics in complex wastewater samples

Horton, Alice A. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6058-6048; Cross, Richard K. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5409-6552; Read, Daniel S. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8546-5154; Juergens, Monika D. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6526-589X; Ball, Hollie L.; Svendsen, Claus ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7281-647X; Vollertsen, Jes; Johnson, Andrew C. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1570-3764. 2021 Semi-automated analysis of microplastics in complex wastewater samples. Environmental Pollution, 268 (A), 115841. 10, pp. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115841

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Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115841

Abstract/Summary

In order to assess risks to the natural environment from microplastics, it is necessary to have reliable information on all potential inputs and discharges. This relies on stringent quality control measures to ensure accurate reporting. Here we focus on wastewater treatment works (WwTWs) and the complex sample matrices these provide. Composite samples of both influent and effluent were collected over a 24 h period on two separate occasions from eight different WwTWs across the UK. Sludge samples were taken on five occasions from five WwTWs. The WwTW treatments included activated sludge, trickling filter and biological aerated flooded filter with or without tertiary treatment. Using micro-FTIR analysis, microplastics ≥25 μm were identified and quantified. Procedural blanks were used to derive limits of detection (LOD) and limits of quantification (LOQ). Where values were above the LOQ, microplastics in the influent ranged from 955 to 17,214 microplastic particles/L and in the effluent from 2 to 54 microplastic particles/L, giving an average removal rate of 99.8%. Microplastics could be quantified in sludge at concentrations of 301–10,380 microplastics/g dry weight, this analytical method therefore revealing higher concentrations than reported in previous studies. The most common polymers present overall were polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). We also report on critical considerations for blank corrections and quality control measures to ensure reliable microplastic analysis across different sample types.

Item Type:	Publication - Article
Digital Object Identifier (DOI):	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115841
UKCEH and CEH Sections/Science Areas:	Pollution (Science Area 2017-) Soils and Land Use (Science Area 2017-) Unaffiliated
ISSN:	0269-7491
NORA Subject Terms:	Electronics, Engineering and Technology
Date made live:	24 Nov 2020 13:29 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/529009

Item Type:

Publication - Article

Digital Object Identifier (DOI):

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115841

UKCEH and CEH Sections/Science Areas:

Pollution (Science Area 2017-)
Soils and Land Use (Science Area 2017-)
Unaffiliated

ISSN:

0269-7491

NORA Subject Terms:

Electronics, Engineering and Technology

Date made live:

24 Nov 2020 13:29 +0 (UTC)