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<p>The presence of nanoplastics (NPs) in sewage treatment plants (STPs) remains a critical yet underexplored environmental issue. Here, we present a novel investigation into the occurrence, recovery, and characterization of nanoplastics and small-size microplastics (50–2500&#xa0;nm) in raw and treated sewage effluent from a full-scale STP (treating 4000&#xa0;m<sup>3</sup>/day) operating with activated sludge. To our knowledge, this research includes the first confirmed assessment of nanoplastics in such a system and applies nano-flow cytometry to wastewater analysis for the first time globally. It is also the first study addressing micro- and nanoplastics in wastewater in Saudi Arabia, advancing plastic particle analysis in complex matrices. Particles in the 50– &lt; 100&#xa0;nm range accounted for 44% of total particles detected in STP effluents. Overall, plastic particles accounted for 16% (± 10%) of total particles within 50-2500 nm in raw sewage, increasing to 41% (± 13%) in treated effluent. This increase highlights the inefficiency of conventional treatment in fully removing plastic particles and suggests preferential removal based on size or density. The composition of a representative selection of particles was characterized by micro-Raman spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy-Dispersive X-ray. Identified polymers included polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyamide, and polypropylene. These findings provide important insights into treated sewage composition, particularly for reuse in arid regions.</p>

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Characterization of nanoplastics and small-sized microplastics in sewage treatment

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2025年8月17日

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  • Shaima Iskandarani,
  • Sarvajith Manjunath,
  • Rosa Busquets,
  • Lorenzo Raeli,
  • Pascal E. Saikaly,
  • Luiza C. Campos

摘要

The presence of nanoplastics (NPs) in sewage treatment plants (STPs) remains a critical yet underexplored environmental issue. Here, we present a novel investigation into the occurrence, recovery, and characterization of nanoplastics and small-size microplastics (50–2500 nm) in raw and treated sewage effluent from a full-scale STP (treating 4000 m3/day) operating with activated sludge. To our knowledge, this research includes the first confirmed assessment of nanoplastics in such a system and applies nano-flow cytometry to wastewater analysis for the first time globally. It is also the first study addressing micro- and nanoplastics in wastewater in Saudi Arabia, advancing plastic particle analysis in complex matrices. Particles in the 50– < 100 nm range accounted for 44% of total particles detected in STP effluents. Overall, plastic particles accounted for 16% (± 10%) of total particles within 50-2500 nm in raw sewage, increasing to 41% (± 13%) in treated effluent. This increase highlights the inefficiency of conventional treatment in fully removing plastic particles and suggests preferential removal based on size or density. The composition of a representative selection of particles was characterized by micro-Raman spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy-Dispersive X-ray. Identified polymers included polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyamide, and polypropylene. These findings provide important insights into treated sewage composition, particularly for reuse in arid regions.