Microplastics in Wastewater

Plastics widespread use and ease of disposal after a single use mean they accumulate rapidly in landfills and the environment, often ending up in wastewater systems. Many of these microplastics are durable and take hundreds of years to degrade. This means that the plastic discarded today will remain in the environment, breaking down into microplastics that can be harmful to wildlife and ecosystems. For this reason, wastewater system pollution caused by microplastics is a complex and multidimensional issue. Effectively managing it requires the use of advanced technologies. This book explores key research topics related to microplastics in wastewater, providing practical solutions to mitigate environmental pollution. The book offers a comprehensive approach to discussing the limitations of current wastewater treatment processes for removing microplastics and suggests complementary treatment methods. The discharge of microplastics in water bodies is gaining global attention. It causes severe pollution, harms the aquatic environment, carries various types of contaminants, and indirectly enters the human body through the food chain. Wastewater system pollution and plastic contamination are global concerns that are closely linked to the policy objectives of governments worldwide. It is crucial to analyze the relationship between water system pollution and public health and adopt practical strategies to prevent health hazards. Continued research on this important topic is also necessary. The book contains information on the occurrence of microplastics in wastewater, their source of entry, and detection methods in samples. It also reports microplastic pollution sources that have a remarkable impact on municipal wastewater quality. This book aims to propose treatment methods for analyzing the shapes, sizes, and composition of microplastics found in wastewater systems. The book delves into the most current scientific findings on emerging microplastic pollutants, emphasizing their potentiality and the dangers they bring. It will also present that microplastics can ease toxic contact with aquatic organisms. The book also reviews the most recent applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in wastewater treatment plants, aiming to optimize wastewater treatment processes and enhance water quality monitoring.