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Abstract
Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) have been described as key contributors of microplastics (MPs) to aquatic systems, yet temporal fluctuations in MP concentrations and loads downstream are underexplored. This study investigated how different sampling frequencies (hourly, weekly, and monthly) affect MP estimates in a stream linked to a single WWTP. Utilizing fluorescence microscopy and Raman spectroscopy, considerable hourly variations in MP concentrations were discovered, while the polymer composition remained consistent. This temporal variability in MP loads was influenced by MP concentration, discharge rates, or a mix of both. These results show a high uncertainty, as relying on sparse snapshot samples combined with annual discharge data led to significant uncertainties in MP load estimates (over- and/or underestimation of emissions by 3.8 billion MPs annually at this site). Our findings stress the necessity of higher-frequency sampling for better comprehending the hydrodynamic factors influencing MP transport. This improved understanding enables a more accurate quantification of MP dynamics, crucial for downstream impact assessments. Therefore, preliminary reconnaissance campaigns are essential for designing extended, representative site-monitoring programs and ensuring more precise trend predictions on a larger scale.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 2309-2319 |
Number of pages | 11 |
Journal | ACS ES and T Water |
Volume | 4 |
Issue number | 5 |
Early online date | 12 Apr 2024 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 10 May 2024 |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:© 2024 The Authors. Published by American Chemical Society.
Keywords
- campaign
- distribution
- sampling frequency
- temporal
- WWTP
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Chemistry (miscellaneous)
- Chemical Engineering (miscellaneous)
- Environmental Chemistry
- Water Science and Technology
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Microplastics in groundwater ecosystems: a global impact analysis (PlaStyx)
Krause, S. (Principal Investigator)
1/01/22 → 31/12/25
Project: Research
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H2020_IF_MICROPATH
Krause, S. (Principal Investigator), Drummond, J. (Co-Investigator) & Drummond, J. (Co-Investigator)
1/01/21 → 31/12/22
Project: EU
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International Freshwater Microplastics Network
Sambrook-Smith, G. (Principal Investigator), Krause, S. (Co-Investigator) & Lynch, I. (Co-Investigator)
Natural Environment Research Council
18/12/19 → 17/12/21
Project: Research Councils
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Plastic Rivers- Fate and transport of microplastics in freshwater riverine environments
Lynch, I. (Co-Investigator), Krause, S. (Principal Investigator) & Sambrook-Smith, G. (Co-Investigator)
1/08/18 → 31/03/23
Project: Research