Author: Anggelia Essi Christian
Christian, Anggelia Essi, 2024 Tracing Microplastics at the Wastewater Treatment Plant: Development of Methods for Recovery, Enumeration, and Identification, Flinders University, College of Science and Engineering
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This thesis addresses the growing concern surrounding microplastics contamination in wastewater treatment plants, focusing on techniques for their recovery, enumeration, and identification within these systems. Collaborative efforts with South Australia (SA) Water aim to contribute for monitoring and mitigating microplastic pollution, recognising wastewater treatment plants as significant pathways for their entry into the environment.
Extensive research has highlighted ecological concerns linked to microplastics, emphasizing the need for experimental testing to understand their impacts fully. Reviewing available analytical tools reveals a lack of standardized methods, suggesting tailored approaches based on specific data requirements are necessary for practical applications.
Introducing semi-automatic mapping using FTIR Microspectroscopy for particles above 25 µm and Flow Cytometry for those below 25 µm offers efficient solutions for microplastics analysis in wastewater and sludge samples. Recommendations for further refinement and validation of these methods underscore collaboration with experts for continued improvement.
Investigation into seasonal and treatment effects on plastic loads within wastewater treatment plants reveals significant variations in microplastic concentrations and compositions. Understanding these dynamics is essential for optimizing treatment processes and accurately assessing microplastic pollution levels.
Future research directions may include exploring the effects of treatment processes on microplastic morphology, standardizing analytical methods for routine analysis, and investigating alternative sources of microplastics. These endeavours will advance out understanding of microplastic contamination dynamics and inform effective mitigation strategies.
In conclusion, this thesis contributes to our understanding of microplastics contamination in wastewater treatment plants, offering insights into analytical techniques and mitigation approaches. Continued research efforts are crucial for addressing this pressing environmental issue and protecting ecosystems and human health.
Keywords: microplastics, wastewater treatment plant, sludge, microspectroscopy, flow cytometry
Subject: Nanotechnology thesis
Thesis type: Doctor of Philosophy
Completed: 2024
School: College of Science and Engineering
Supervisor: Associate Professor Ingo Köper