Abstract:
Microplastics (MPs) are worldwide pollutants in water environments, and their global presence
has become a major environmental concern. Microplastics are plastic particles < 5 mm, are
either purposefully made or the result of bigger plastic particles breaking apart. There is less
research on MPs in IndianWastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), despite the fact that they disrupt
ecosystems by destroying aquatic life, contaminating habitats, and changing food chains.
WWTPs, which process urban effluents, are recognised as major point sources of microplastics
into the aquatic environment. This study aims to elucidate the distribution, occurrence, and pollution
level of microplastics in the WWTPs of Raipur city, Chhattisgarh. Water from the influent
to the effluent stages was collected and analysed using grab sampling methods. By quantitative
analysis, the mean concentration of microplastics was found to be 42±3, 25±2, 18±3 and 12±2
Particles/L from each stage influent, primary, secondary, and final treatment (effluent), respectively.
Styrene butadiene rubber (SBR), polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET),
and polystyrene (PS) were identified as MPs as analysed by Attenuated Total Reflectance -
Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) analysis. Most frequently occurring microplastic
shapes were fragments, filaments, fibres, and pellets. Black, red, blue, violet, brown,
and pink were the colours of MPs present in the samples. Particle size analysis showed that
the water sample contains particles in the range of 100-5000 μm for all four stages. In urban
areas, industrial and domestic wastewater conveyed through drainage networks to WWTPs
carries both primary and secondary microplastics act as significant sources of microplastic pollution.
Therefore, assessing the occurrence of microplastics in treatment plants is essential for
understanding the environmental threat. This study enhances the understanding of microplastic
pollution in WWTPs and provides vital reference data essential for effective mitigation strategies.
