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1

A Review of Microplastic Pollution: Harmful Effect on Environment and Animals, Remediation Strategies

Albazoni Hamza Jasim, Al-Haidarey Mohammed Jawad Salih, Nasir Afyaa Sabah

Journal of Ecological Engineering

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2024

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Vol. 25, nr 2

140--157

EN

Microplastics are so widely dispersed and abundant throughout the globe that many scientists consider them to be important markers of the recent and current time, which is known as the Plasticene. The effects of microplastics are still not fully known, though. Because microplastics are multiple stressors with a variety of physical-chemical characteristics, understanding their impact is quite complicated. Toxic chemicals are transported by microplastics in ecosystems, acting as vectors of transport. Also, many dangerous chemicals are added during polymer production to enhance their properties as well as lengthen their life, and these chemicals must have detrimental effect. To date, many significant studies have been conducted, making a good progress to understand the effect of the key plastic additives on the environment. These additives are discharged into the environment and, hence become a source of many health issues, especially, when are coupled with micro-plastics. The current study thoroughly reviewed the most toxic and dangerous chemicals used in the plastic industry, elaborating the effects on organism health. Also, it provided information about the works that explored their abundance on microplastics.

2

Current State of Knowledge about Plastics’ Ability to Sorption

Worobiczuk Mateusz, Naumowicz Monika

Civil and Environmental Engineering Reports

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2024

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Vol. 34, no. 1

150--165

EN

Plastic pollution is and will be a problem for humanity to deal with for decades to come. The main cause for concern is plastic debris of microsizes, that has been detected in many worrying locations, e.g. human body. Microplastic can carry many substances. It’s possible for many substances, including toxins, to accumulate on plastic surface. This review pertains to the compilation of the newest scientific information regarding plastic’s ability to sorption. The methodological approach as well as mathematical models used in studies pertaining to this topic have been demonstrated. The type of plastic, the matrix and state of microplastic sample have been described to be affecting sorption on plastic. Some problems with methodology in compiled sorption studies have been outlined. It was concluded that more research is needed to be done to fully grasp this topic.

3

Mikroplastik : źródła, techniki separacji i indywiduacji

Trzebiatowska Patrycja Jutrzenka, Kadac-Czapska Kornelia, Grembecka Małgorzata

Wiadomości Chemiczne

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2023

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[Z] 77, 3-4

153--177

EN

The worldwide extensive consumption of plastic materials, due to the low cost of production and their versatility, causes plastic pollution of the environment. It is one of the most difficult and challenging problems on the Earth, affecting the oceans, land, atmosphere and living matter. An emerging aspect is a microplastic pollution, which has become an intensively researched topic among scientists and organizations. Microplastics (MPs) according to the definition are granules, fibers, and fragments of micropollutants of the upper limit of the contractual size is 5 mm. They can have a primary or secondary origin. Primary microplastics are microscopic granules, or pellets purposedly produced for industrial applications. Secondary microplastics are usually generated by the fragmentation and degradation of plastic waste in the environment (e.g. mechanical abrasion, UV radiation, temperature changes, and biodegradation) or during the use of plastic consumption (Figure 2). Microplastics can impact ecosystems by providing water, delivery and air, and further affect human health by inhaling airborne particles or providing contaminated water and food. There can be identified three major harmful aspects of plastics and microplastics. Firstly, plastics exposed to environmental weathering can undergo degradation and break down from macro to smaller particles. MPs may be transported across the globe, as there were found in the Arctic snow or oceans deep. Second, MPs may adsorb and carry toxic chemical substances (persistent organic pollutants) which are harmful to humans and animals. And last but not least, plastics get to the food chain and air and reach humans through various routes. Many works in the literature describe the procedure of sampling, handling, identifying and quantifying MPs from different environments. Before to the actual analysis, MPs samples are often first fractionated by sieving, and solutions of various densities are also used to separate potential microplastics from other contaminants. Subsequently, the samples are purified in etching media to remove any organic contaminants. The MP identification and characterization procedure is a five-step process. It concerns the analysis of the size, shape, color and amount of plastic particles (expressed as the number or mass of particles per volume or mass of the sample) usually done by microscopy. The identification of the polymer is done by chemical characterization using usually spectroscopic (IR and Raman), chromatographic or thermal methods (Figure 4).

4

Nano- i mikroplastik – zanieczyszczenia XXI wieku

Podbielska Magdalena, Szpyrka Ewa

Polish Journal for Sustainable Development

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2023

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T. 27, cz. 2

73--79

PL

Tworzywa sztuczne są ważnym materiałem w naszej gospodarce i życiu codziennym. Dzięki niskim kosztom produkcji oraz możliwości formowania ich w różne kształty, stały się najbardziej uniwersalnym materiałem na świecie. Tworzywa sztuczne są masowo produkowane do zastosowań w opakowaniach, przemyśle budowlanym, przemyśle elektrycznym i elektronicznym, tekstyliach, transporcie i rolnictwie. Światowa produkcja tworzyw sztucznych w 2021 roku wyniosła 391 mln ton. W wyniku procesów fizycznych, biologicznych, chemicznych lub termicznych, materiały te ulegają rozpadowi tworząc cząstki zwane mikroplastikiem (MP) i/lub nanoplastikiem (NP), które w ostatnim dziesięcioleciu stały się istotnym zanieczyszczeniem środowiska. Ksenobiotyki te odnajdywane są w powietrzu, wodzie, glebie, a także w organizmach żywych. Mogą również wywoływać niekorzystne skutki dla zdrowia człowieka.

EN

Plastics are an important material in our economy and everyday life. Thanks to low production costs and the ability to form them into various shapes, they have become the most universal material in the world. Plastics are mass-produced for applications in packaging, construction, electrical and electronics, textiles, transportation and agriculture. Global plastic production in 2021 amounted to 391 million tonnes. As a result of physical, biological, chemical or thermal processes, these materials decompose, forming particles called microplastics (MP) and/or nanoplastics (NP), which have become a significant environmental pollutant in the last decade. These xenobiotics are found in the air, water, soil, as well as in living organisms. They may also cause adverse effects on human health.

5

Model estimates of microplastic potential contamination pattern of the eastern Gulf of Finland in 2018

Martyanov Stanislav D., Isaev Alexey, Ryabchenko Vladimir A.

Oceanologia

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2023

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Vol. 65 (1)

86--99

EN

The work is focused on the assessment of microplastics transport and distribution in the eastern part of the Gulf of Finland by means of numerical modeling. In the present study only the riverine sources of microplastics are taken into account. The presented model also accounts for possible sink of suspended microplastic particles into sediments due to simple parameterization of biogeochemical processes such as biofouling and ingestion by zooplankton. Two basic scenarios with different initial fall velocities of suspended microplastic particles, 0.2 m/day and 1.2 m/day, are discussed. The distribution of microplastics coming with the riverine waters of the Neva, Luga, and Narva rivers has been investigated, based on a numerical hydrodynamical hindcast of the year 2018. Model simulations show that the transport of suspended microplastics occurs along the northern coast of the considered area more intensively compared to the southern coast, especially in the easternmost shallow part of the gulf. The results are in a good agreement with other studies focused on the microplastic pollution of the Neva Bay, and with available observational data. The presented results and developed model can be useful tools aimed to assess the intensity and mechanisms of microplastic pollution of the eastern Gulf of Finland. The results can be used in the selection of areas for future environmental monitoring of microplastics pollution of the eastern part of the Gulf of Finland.

6

Temporal Variation of Microplastic Abundances and Characteristics in Surface Water of Banger River of Pekalongan City, Indonesia

Despasari Bella, Andarani Pertiwi, Priyambada Ika Bagus, Inoue Takanobu

Journal of Ecological Engineering

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2023

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Vol. 24, nr 9

39--49

EN

The presence of microplastic pollution in coastal areas has garnered attention due to its detrimental impact on aquatic ecosystems and human health. In this study, our objective was to identify and characterize microplastics in the Banger River area of Pekalongan City, which is known for its numerous industrial activities, particularly batik small-medium industries. The extraction process involved filtration, drying, wet peroxide oxidation, density separation using NaI, and identification of microplastic particles. The shape, color, and size of the particles were characterized using a stereo microscope, while Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectrometer and the hot needle method were employed for chemical structure analysis. Given that rivers serve as primary conduits for waste transport from land to sea, we conducted sampling at different times of the day. Our findings revealed an average of 0.61 ± 0.47 particles/m3 in the morning, 0.59 ± 0.67 particles/m3 in the afternoon, and 0.10 ± 0.02 particles/m3 in the evening. Among the microplastic polymers analyzed, we successfully identified polypropylene as one of the two predominant types. To establish a baseline for mitigating the release of plastic waste and microplastic residues into the environment, long-term monitoring is essential to evaluate the flow of plastic waste and microplastics from Indonesian rivers to the oceans.

7

Spatial Dynamics of Microplastic Pollution in Water and Sediments of the Ciliwung River along with Conditions of Water Quality Field Parameters and Population Density

Mahendra Alloysius Pamurda Dhika, Pratama Mochamad Adhiraga, Moersidik Setyo Sarwanto, Rahmawati Suphia, Iresha Fajri Mulya

Journal of Ecological Engineering

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2023

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Vol. 24, nr 8

296--309

EN

Microplastics are emerging contaminants that degrade from textile plastic products, petroleum, and cosmetic equipment with sizes less than 5 mm. There are more than 70,000 settlements located along the Ciliwung River in DKI Jakarta that use the river water as a source of clean water. The most common type of waste found in the Ciliwung River to date is plastic waste, which can cause flooding and other disasters. The Ciliwung River can currently be found with microplastic pollution which has an impact on exposure to living things in the river, such as in case studies in the Ciliwung River estuary area. The problem is the exposure to 75% of blue panchax fish (Aplocheilus sp.) as many as 1.97 particles per fish with sizes of 300 to 500 μm. This research will focus on analyzing the dynamics of microplastic quantity in water and sediment of the Ciliwung River along with the correlation between field parameters and population density around the banks of the Ciliwung River. When viewed from the seven points that represent the Ciliwung River downstream to upstream in DKI Jakarta Province, the number of microplastics is in the range of 320–741 particles/L. For the dominating form, it can be analyzed that the majority of microplastic forms are fragments (97%), followed by fibers (2.9%) and pellets (0.1%). While in the sediment, the number of microplastics in the Ciliwung River sediment is in the range of 6560–10630 particles/kg. The population density factor has the highest correlation to the number of microplastics with a value of r = 0.702. This is associated between population density and high microplastic emission loads.

8

Performance of Conventional Drinking Water Treatment Plants in Removing Microplastics in East Java, Indonesia

Radityaningrum Arlini Dyah, Trihadiningrum Yulinah, Soedjono Eddy Setiadi

Journal of Ecological Engineering

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2023

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Vol. 24, nr 6

129--143

EN

Microplastic (MP) has been a new emerging contaminant in the municipal water supply. A water treatment process is a key to producing high-quality and safe drinking water. The performance of a conventional drinking water treatment plant (CDWTP) to remove MPs is questionable. This research aimed to investigate the performance of 2 CDWTPs in East Java in removing MPs. Full-stage treatment in two CDWTPs consisted of intake, pre-sedimentation, coagulation-flocculation, sedimentation, sand filter, and disinfection units. Five L water samples were collected with a grab sampling technique in the sampling points of intake and outlet of each water treatment unit. MP abundance and characteristics in each sample were determined using a Sunshine SZM-45T-B1 stereomicroscope and a Nicolet i10 FTIR spectrophotometer. Total MP removal efficiencies in CDWTPs I and II were 66 and 62%, respectively. The coagulation-flocculation unit performed the highest MP removal efficiencies (56%). The MP with 1–350 μm size achieved lower removal efficiencies (33–53%) than that with 351-<5,000 μm size (53–76%). The removal efficiencies of fiber, fragment, and film in the CDWTPs were 61–65%; 86–100%; and 100%, respectively.

9

Assessment of Indoor Microplastic Particles Pollution in Selected Sites of Mosul City

Al-Hussayni Rihab Salih, Al-Ahmady Kossay K., Mhemid Rasha Khalid Sabri

Journal of Ecological Engineering

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2023

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Vol. 24, nr 9

322--332

EN

Among the most significant sources of microplastics (MPs) for humans is indoor dust. However, very few researchers have studied the properties and abundance of MPs that existed in dust from different indoor environments. The current study investigated microplastic fallout in 90 locations (5 kindergartens, 6 mosques, 5 schools, 10 shops, 5 cafeterias, 6 hospitals, 25 dormitories, 7 barber salons, 6 offices, 5 scientific laboratories, 5 pharmacies, and 5 medical clinics) during six months. Among the ninety sampling sites, the most significant average of MPs was actually found in the kindergartens (4.743×103 ± 427 MP/m2 /d), in contrast, the lowest abundance was in the medical clinics (3.02×102 ± 62 MP/m2 /d). The majority of indoor dust samples contained MPs in the form of fibers. The dominant colour of dust samples was transparent, followed by black, red, blue, green, and yellow. A total of six types of polymers were identified, including polystyrene (PS, 39%), polyethylene terephthalate (PET, 20%), polypropylene (PP, 17%), polyethylene (PE, 13), polyamide (PA, 7%) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC, 3%). PS, PET, and PP represent most of the MPs polymer types discovered in indoor dust samples from various locations. These polymers are frequently used in fabrics, furniture, carpets, packaging, and synthetic fibers. Statistical analysis was performed on the results using Excel 2019. The results showed that there were statistically significant differences in each site with the other sites, except between (schools and mosques), (pharmacies, and medical clinics). The similarity between these sites in terms of people’s activity or in terms of furniture, the lack of carpets and curtains could explain the insignificant difference.

10

Mikrocząstki plastiku w osadach ściekowych – narastający problem

Ginter-Kramarczyk Dobrochna, Kruszelnicka Izabela

Inżynier Budownictwa

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2023

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nr 10

90--93

11

Partial and Temporal Variations in Concentration of Micro Plastic in Drinking Water of Al-Hilla River

Sami Sura Mohammed, Al-Fatlawi Alaa H.

Ecological Engineering & Environmental Technology

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2023

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Vol. 24, iss. 5

1--10

EN

In aquatic ecosystems, a great concern was has been increased about contaminants by microplastics (MPs). Only a small number of researches on contamination of MP in drinking water have been released up until now. In this research, tap drinking water collected in different places in a densely populated region in Al-Hilla city: Al-Bakarly area, Al-Khusrawiya and Al-Tayyara area was analyzed. The collected water samples were tested using different techniques, including Fourier infrared spectrometer (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Micro Raman spectrometer (MRS). Results showed the presence of microplastic particles with that size smaller than 5 mm, as the diameter of the drinking water ranged between (0.5–4.8) nm. The means of Fourier infrared spectrometer (FTIR) was used to analyze component of all found particles chemically. The main components of the tested samples are metal oxides, Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC), polyamides polymer like Nylon6, 6 and skeletal of cellulose. In addition, Micro-Raman spectroscopy (MRS) results indicated a variation in polyethylene (PE), and it was between (121.404–4391.729) cm-1 for collected samples.

12

Presence of MNPs in Water Environment-pathways of Degradation and Impact on Organisms

Zając Marcin, Kotyńska Joanna, Naumowicz Monika

Civil and Environmental Engineering Reports

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2023

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Vol. 33, no. 4

106--122

EN

In recent years, micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) in the natural environment have become a severe issue. Therefore, it seems significant to be knowledgeable on the topic. The purpose of the literature review presented here is to describe the general characteristics of plastic particles, their main sources, degradation mechanisms, and the impact of plastic particles on individual systems of the human body. The usefulness and scale of distribution of plastics worldwide is shown, considering the increase in their production in recent years. Up-to-date literature indicates that they may influence the development of cancer, e.g. stomach, liver, or colon cancer. Scientists associate microplastics with the development of cardiovascular and immunological diseases. They also draw attention to the temporal correlation between the increased incidence of the above-civilization diseases and the increased environmental contamination with microplastics in recent decades.

13

Mikroplastik w przestrzeni miasta

Słomka Wojciech

Zieleń Miejska

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2022

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Nr 5

26--27

PL

Obecność mikroplastiku nie jest nowym zjawiskiem. Towarzyszy nam od dawna. Spotkamy go jako dodatek stosowany w produkcji licznych kosmetyków, pasty do zębów i lakierów do włosów. Jednak jego ilość w środowisku wzrasta lawinowo i w głównej mierze pochodzi z degradacji wszelkich tworzyw sztucznych, w tym pochodzących z infrastruktury drogowej i kubaturowej.

14

Zawartość mikroplastiku w żywności pochodzenia wodnego

Biernacka Patrycja, Tokarczyk Grzegorz

Przemysł Spożywczy

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2022

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T. 76, nr 3

30--32

PL

Uniwersalność i powszechność zastosowania tworzyw sztucznych przez człowieka doprowadziła do zanieczyszczenia nimi całego środowiska naturalnego. W związku z tym mikrodrobiny plastiku są spożywane przez wiele gatunków dzikich zwierząt, w tym ryb i skorupiaków, a ponieważ zawierają w sobie związki chemiczne pochodzące z produkcji, istnieją obawy dotyczące szkodliwości chemicznej i fizycznej. Obawy dotyczą również bezpieczeństwa potencjalnego konsumenta. Pomimo usuwania przewodu pokarmowego ryb, drobiny plastiku mogą przedostawać się do jadalnych części. Biorąc pod uwagę najwyższe zgłoszone zawartości mikroplastiku w żywności pochodzenia wodnego oraz całkowite uwolnienie mikrodrobin można stwierdzić, że udział ten ma stosunkowo niewielki wpływ na narażenie człowieka, tj. PCB (< 0,006%), WWA (< 0,004%), oraz bisfenol A.(< 2%). Choć nie ma jednoznacznych dowodów potwierdzających przekroczenie bezpiecznej dawki do spożycia, skażenie środowiska mikroplastikami jest niewątpliwie zagrożeniem dla środowiska i żywych stworzeń.

EN

The versatility and widespread of plastics use by humans has led to the contamination of the entire natural environment with them. As a result, microplastics are consumed by many species of wildlife, including fish and crustaceans, and because they contain chemicals from production, there are concerns regarding chemical and physical harm. Concerns also apply to the safety of the potential consumer. Despite removing the fish’s digestive tract, plastic particles can find their way into the edible parts. Considering the highest reported microplastic content in aquatic food and the total release of microplastics, it can be concluded that this share has a relatively small impact on human exposure PCB (<0.006%), PAH (<0.004%), and bisphenol A.(<2%).Although there is no clear evidence confirming that the safe dose for consumption has been exceeded, contamination of the environment with microplastics is undoubtedly a threat to the environment and living creatures.

15

Plastic contamination of sandy beaches along the southern Baltic – a one season field survey results

Mazurkiewicz Mikołaj, Martinez Paula Sancho, Konwent Weronika, Deja Kajetan, Kotwicki Lech, Węsławski Jan Marcin

Oceanologia

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2022

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No. 64 (4)

764--780

EN

The subject of this study was microplastics (>32 µm), large micro-/macroplastics (>2 mm) and plastic litter (visible by naked eye) contamination on sandy beaches and in coastal waters along the Polish coast of the Baltic Sea. Microplastics were studied with particular attention, with simultaneous observations in the water and across the beach. Other data was intended to serve as a background and as possible sources of microplastics. Most of the microplastics found were fibers <1 mm long, with blue fibers dominating, followed by transparent, red and green ones, both in sand and water samples. The concentration of microplastics on the beach sand ranged from 118 to 1382 pieces kg−1, while in coastal waters from 0.61 to 2.76 pieces dm−3. As for large micro-/macroplastics and plastic litter, there was no dominant litter along the coast. The amount of large micro-/macroplastics ranged from 2 to 124 pieces m−2 (or from 0.13 to 44.30 g m−2). Regarding plastic litter, on average between 0.03 and 6.15 litter debris m−2 were found (or from 0.007 to 4.600 g m−2). The study confirms that plastic pollution of the Polish coastal zone is a significant problem comparable with both the rest of the Baltic Sea and other seas and oceans. Similar color-based composition of microplastics among all studied sites suggests that they may have a common source, while the contamination of large micro-/macroplastics and plastic litter (both amount of particles and their composition) along the Polish coast is highly site-specific and may be influenced by various local factors.

16

Wykorzystanie stabilizatu po mechaniczno-biologicznej przeróbce do produkcji nowego materiału zgodnie z koncepcją circular economy

Grąz Katarzyna, Gronba-Chyła Anna, Kwaśnicki Paweł

Inżynieria Materiałowa

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2022

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Vol. 43, nr 2

12--14

PL

Gospodarka odpadami jest obecnie zarówno jedną z dziedzin gospodarki, jak i gałęzi przemysłu. Komisja Europejska 16 stycznia 2018 r. opublikowała europejską strategię na rzecz tworzyw sztucznych w gospodarce o obiegu zamkniętym, która kładzie ogromny nacisk na sposób projektowania produktów z tworzyw sztucznych, ich produkowanie, wykorzystywanie oraz poddawanie recyklingowi. Celem pracy jest prezentacja wyników badań kompostów pochodzących z odpadów komunalnych, tzw. stabilizatu, pod kątem identyfikacji w nich mikroplastików oraz składu tlenkowego. Badania składu tlenkowego wykazały, że nadaje się on do produkcji kruszyw lekkich. Następnie podjęto próbę opracowania składu mieszanek utworzonych ze stabilizatów, gliny, odpadów poflotacyjnych i szkła w celu opracowania nowego materiału, a tym samym powtórnego wykorzystania odpadu.

EN

Waste management is now both a business and an industry. The European Commission on January 16, 2018 published the European Strategy for Plastics in a Closed Economy, which places great emphasis on how plastic products are designed, manufactured, used and recycled. The aim of this work is to present the results of testing composts derived from municipal waste so-called stabilizer for the identification of micro plastics in them and oxide composition, which showed that it is suitable for the production of lightweight aggregates. An attempt was then made to develop the composition of mixtures formed from stabilizate, clay, tailings and glass in order to develop a new material and thus reuse the waste.

17

Przegląd metod identyfikacji mikroplastików w ściekach komunalnych

Ormaniec Paulina, Mikosz Jerzy

Instal

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2022

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nr 7/8

54--58

PL

Zanieczyszczenie środowiska tworzywami sztucznymi to obecnie jeden z czołowych problemów ochrony środowiska na całym świecie. Ogromnym problemem, do tej pory nie uregulowanym prawnie, jest obecność mikroplastików w ściekach miejskich. Mikroplastiki to drobiny tworzyw sztucznych, które swoją wielkością nie przekraczają 5 mm. W artykule omówiono ogólnie dostępne metody identyfikacji mikroplastików wyizolowanych z próbek pochodzących z oczyszczalni ścieków, uwzględniając podział na metody chemiczne i metody fizyczne. Charakterystykę przedstawionych metod opracowano na podstawie przeglądu źródeł literaturowych. Analiza fizyczna w dużej mierze opiera się na określeniu rozmiaru i liczby oraz na określeniu innych właściwości fizycznych, tj. kolor lub kształt. W tym celu stosuje się mikroskopy, w szczególności mikroskopy optyczne. Ponadto, żeby ocenić, czy obserwowane cząstki są wykonane z tworzywa sztucznego, przeprowadza się test topnienia i test gorącej igły. Chemiczna analiza mikroplastików opiera się na określeniu polimeru z jakiego składa się badany mikroplastik. Wśród powszechnie stosowanych analiz największą popularnością wyróżnia się spektroskopia w podczerwieni z transformacją fourierowską (FTIR), która wykorzystuje trzy metody optymalizujące: spektroskopia osłabionego całkowitego odbicia wewnętrznego (ATR), detektor płaszczyzny ogniskowej (FPA) oraz mikro-FTIR. Niniejsza praca skupia się na przeglądzie aktualnych badań dotyczących identyfikacji i charakteryzacji mikroplastików w oczyszczalniach ścieków. Pomimo, że dotychczasowe badania skupiające się na mikroplastikach niewątpliwie podniosły poziom zrozumienia tego tematu, jasne jest, że nadal wiele pytań pozostaje bez odpowiedzi, a tym samym kluczowa staje się standaryzacja metod identyfikacji mikroplastików.

EN

Pollution of the environment with plastic waste is currently one of the leading global environmental problems. A huge concern, not yet legally regulated, is the presence of microplastic in municipal wastewater treatment plants. Microplastic is plastic particles that do not exceed 5 mm in size. The article discusses generally available identification methods of microplastic isolated from wastewater treatment plants samples, taking into account the division into chemical and physical methods. The characteristics of the presented methods have been developed based on a review of literature sources. A physical analysis involves the evaluation of size and number or other physical properties such as color and shape. For this purpose, microscopes are used, in particular optical microscopes. In addition, a melt test and a hot needle test are performed to confirm that the observed particles are made of plastic. Chemical analysis of microplastics is based on the determination of polymer composition. Among the commonly used analyzes, the most popular is Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, which uses three optimization methods: Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR), Focal Plane Array (FPA) and micro-FTIR. This work focuses on a review of current research on the identification and characterization of microplastics in wastewater treatment plants. Although the research focused on microplastics to date has undoubtedly raised the level of understanding of the topic, but it is clear that many questions remain unanswered and thus the standardization of methods for identifying microplastics becomes crucial.

18

Mikroplastik i mezoplastik w wybranych wodach płynących na obszarze aglomeracji krakowskiej

Dacewicz Ewa, Bergel Tomasz, Łobos-Moysa Ewa, Moraczewska-Majkut Katarzyna, Nocoń Witold K.

Instal

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2022

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nr 9

43--47

PL

W pracy dokonano oceny występowania cząstek plastiku w zastoiskach Wisły, przepływającej przez aglomerację krakowską. W pobranych próbkach wód określono obecność plastikowych zanieczyszczeń z uwzględnieniem ich pochodzenia, wielkości, koloru i kształtu. We wszystkich badanych zastoiskach stwierdzono obecność zarówno pierwotnych, jak i wtórnych cząstek tworzyw sztucznych. Na podstawie wielkości drobin plastiku wyróżniono dwie główne jego grupy: mikroplastik i mezoplastik. Ze względu na kolor drobin wyróżniono sześć głównych grup: biały, czarny, czerwony, niebieski, szary i inny. Pod kątem kształtu, cząstki tworzyw sztucznych zakwalifikowano do pięciu grup tj. folia, granulki, płatki, skrawki i włókna.

EN

In the article, the assessment of the occurrence of plastic particles in the reservoirs of the Vistula River flowing through the Krakow agglomeration was made. In the collected water samples, the presence of plastic particles according to their origin, size, color and shape was determined. The presence of plastic particles in all the tested stagnations was found. Based on the size, two main groups were distinguished, i.e. microplastic and mesoplastic. Due to the color of the particles, six main groups of plastic are distinguished: white, black, red, blue, gray and others. In terms of shape, the plastic particles are classified into five groups, i.e. foil, granules, flakes, scraps and fibers.

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Occurrence and Characteristics of Microplastics in Leachate at a Large Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plant

Ormaniec Paulina

Civil and Environmental Engineering Reports

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2022

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Vol. 32, no. 4

105--115

EN

Due to the widespread occurrence and the potential threat to the environment, plastic materials are currently a growing problem of environmental protection in the world. Plastics whit dimensions not exceeding 5 mm are called microplastics. One of the main sources of microplastics in the aquatic environment are municipal wastewater treatment plants. The paper presents the results of research on the presence of microplastics in leachate from sludge processing at a large municipal wastewater treatment plant. The leachate was divided into the leachate produced in the processes of sludge thickening and dewatering. The analysis of the isolated microplastics included a physical analysis, which focuses on determining size, shape, and color of the isolated material. The next step was the chemical identification of the microplastic, where the type of polymer of the tested material was confirmed by means of Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared. Among the isolated microplastic particles, almost a half was identified as fragments, and a smaller amount was confirmed for the presence of foil, fibers, foams and granules. The identified particles were plastic materials, including polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene or poly(terephthalate). Based on the results of the conducted research, the mass of microplastics in leachate was characterized and determined.

20

Surface Morphology of a Microplastic as an Indicator of Its Microscale Degradation

Majewski Kamil A., Myszograj Sylwia, Płuciennik-Koropczuk Ewelina

Civil and Environmental Engineering Reports

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2021

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Vol. 31, no. 4

196--213

EN

Most of the plastic produced, being one-use plastic packaging, is finally disposed of into the environment. Several agents such as solar radiation, mechanical forces, and microbial action may enable the degradation of these plastics. The purpose of this article is to present a method for studying the properties of a surface of a microplastic particle affected by erosion at the microscale level, which occurred with the help of destructive forces associated with the impact of the sea. The results of analysis of the morphology of the tested sample of microplastic (consisting of poly(propylene)) allowed observing how it was degraded. Examining the surface of a microplastic, one can analyze a number of factors as well as determine the possible path the material has traveled until it was collected as a sample. By determining the scale of the patterns, it is possible to estimate how long the sample and other microplastics present in marine environments have been there. The use of an Atomic Force Microscope not only allows the surface of the sample to be imaged in a non-destructive manner but also enables the degree of degradation to be calculated mathematically, provided a baseline is established from which erosion can be assumed to have originated.