Work

Extraction and analysis of microplastics in wastewater sludges of a multi-product pulp and paper mill

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: dry weight. Biosludge samples suffered from larger amounts of remaining solids after the extraction process, thus compromising the detection of smaller microplastics (<100 μm) and increasing the uncertainty related to the interpretation of the results. The most prevalent microplastic shape in all samples was fragment, and the most recurring polymer types were polyethylene and polypropylene, while a polystyrene-based copolymer represented approximately 10% of identified microplastics in primary sludge. The present study advances the development of microplastic analysis of the challenging pulp and paper wastewater sludges and brings novel information to the progressing discussion of their circulation potential.

Source: Environmental Pollution

DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.125251

Authors: Elina Yli-Rantala, Thien Pham, Essi Sarlin, Marika Kokko

Institutions: Tampere University, University of Tampere

Language: English

Topic: Microplastics and Plastic Pollution

Subfield: Pollution

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Clean water and sanitation

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,920