Micro and nanoplastics on synthetic wastewater treatment
This study evaluates the long-term accumulation impact of a mixture of micro and nanoplastics (MNPs)—specifically polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene—on a pilot-scale submerged membrane bioreactor (MBR). The results demonstrate high system resilience, maintaining 97% organic matter removal and achieving over 99.99% nanoplastic removal efficiency. MNPs exposure was found to mitigate membrane fouling, likely due to a mechanical scouring effect. While the microbial community structure and diversity experienced moderate shifts, the system showed gradual adaptation to the plastic-induced stress. These findings highlight the suitability of MBR systems for producing high-quality effluent for water reuse applications, even under prolonged MNP loads.
This study evaluates the long-term accumulation impact of a mixture of micro and nanoplastics (MNPs)—specifically polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene—on a pilot-scale submerged membrane bioreactor (MBR). The results demonstrate high system resilience, maintaining 97% organic matter removal and achieving over 99.99% nanoplastic removal efficiency. MNPs exposure was found to mitigate membrane fouling, likely due to a mechanical scouring effect. While the microbial community structure and diversity experienced moderate shifts, the system showed gradual adaptation to the plastic-induced stress. These findings highlight the suitability of MBR systems for producing high-quality effluent for water reuse applications, even under prolonged MNP loads.
Instituto IMDEA Agua