Regulatory Framework Assessment for Treatment of Plastics and Microplastics Present in Sewage Effluent

Abstract

Emerging pollutants like plastic and microplastics (MP) are mounting globally. The widespread use of MP solidifies its presence in both aquatic and terrestrial environments. Conventional sewage treatment plants (STPs) are inefficient to eliminate the MP and often discharge into natural water bodies. MP removal requires advanced treatment techniques like photocatalysis, chemical oxidation, membrane bioreactors (MBR), and other membrane systems like ultrafiltration (UF) and reverse osmosis (RO). STPs are 80-90% efficient for MP removal and require advanced technologies like UF or RO to reach the efficiency of 99%. The small size of MP makes removal from the conventional wastewater treatment system difficult. However, studies also report the presence of MP after RO, which is a concern for researchers and regulatory authorities. The source of these pollutants primarily originates from personal care products, household products, synthetic textiles, industrial processes, marine operations, and tire wear. Due to low biodegradability, the persistence of plastic and MP expands for decades and centuries, posing harm to ecosystems and living beings. Robust technological advancement and regulatory reforms are necessary to be developed to lessen the long-term effects of MP. This chapter discusses the regulatory frameworks, sources, and treatment technologies for plastic and MP.