Microplastics Pollution in Aquatic Media: Occurrence, Detection, and Removal

Microplastics are a significant water pollutant that has spread to lakes, rivers, ponds, and drinking water. This book provides an overview of microplastics in freshwater environments, discussing their ecotoxicological effects, removal/remediation techniques, and the role of water/wastewater treatment plants in spreading them. It is a valuable resource for researchers and professionals.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 377 pages
Publication date: 12 April 2023
Publisher: Springer Verlag, Singapore

Microplastics, a significant water pollutant, have garnered widespread attention due to their presence in water and aquatic media, affecting both humans and the environment. While the origins of this pollution may be traced back to the sea, it has now spread to lakes, rivers, ponds, and even drinking water. This comprehensive book offers an overview of microplastics in freshwater environments across different regions worldwide. It delves into the ecotoxicological consequences of microplastics, explores effective removal and remediation techniques, and emphasizes the role of water and wastewater treatment plants in the dissemination of microplastics. Serving as a valuable resource, this book encompasses a wide range of topics related to microplastics, encompassing their sources, detection, characterization, removal, and their ultimate fate in treatment plants.

Microplastics, tiny particles of plastic ranging in size from 5 to 500 micrometers, have emerged as a growing concern in recent years. These particles, which are derived from various sources such as synthetic materials, clothing, cosmetics, and industrial processes, find their way into water bodies and pose a significant threat to aquatic ecosystems and human health.

One of the primary concerns associated with microplastics is their potential ecotoxicological effects. Microplastics can absorb harmful chemicals and pollutants from the environment, which can then be released back into the water, leading to the bioaccumulation of these toxins in the food chain. This can have detrimental effects on aquatic organisms, including fish, amphibians, and marine mammals, as they may consume microplastics and accumulate toxic substances in their bodies.

Furthermore, microplastics can disrupt the natural balance of aquatic ecosystems by altering the physical and chemical properties of water. They can form surface coatings on water particles, which can reduce sunlight penetration and affect the growth of aquatic plants. This, in turn, can affect the food chain, as lower levels of aquatic plant growth can lead to reduced fish populations.

The presence of microplastics in water and aquatic media has also raised concerns about human health. Microplastics can be ingested by humans through drinking water, seafood, and even inhalation of water droplets. Once in the body, microplastics can cause inflammation, immune system disruptions, and the release of harmful chemicals into the bloodstream.

To address the issue of microplastics, various strategies have been developed. One approach is the removal of microplastics from water sources through physical and chemical methods such as filtration, sedimentation, and bioremediation. These methods can be effective in reducing the concentration of microplastics in water, but they may not be able to remove all microplastics from the environment.

Another approach is the remediation of contaminated sites where microplastics have accumulated. This can involve the use of specialized equipment and techniques, such as vacuuming, dredging, and thermal treatment, to remove microplastics from soil and sediment.

In addition to these removal and remediation techniques, the role of water and wastewater treatment plants in spreading microplastics is also important to consider. Microplastics can enter water treatment plants through wastewater and can be removed through various treatment processes, such as filtration and sedimentation. However, the effectiveness of these processes can vary depending on the type and size of microplastics, as well as the efficiency of the treatment plant.

Despite the challenges associated with microplastics, there are ongoing efforts to address this issue. Researchers are developing new technologies and methods to detect and remove microplastics from water, as well as to develop more effective remediation techniques for contaminated sites. Governments and organizations are also implementing regulations and policies to reduce the production and use of plastic materials, which can help to reduce the amount of microplastics entering the environment.

In conclusion, microplastics are a significant water pollutant that has the potential to cause harm to aquatic ecosystems and human health. While the origins of this pollution may be traced back to the sea, it has now spread to lakes, rivers, ponds, and even drinking water. This comprehensive book offers an overview of microplastics in freshwater environments across different regions worldwide, delving into the ecotoxicological effects, removal and remediation techniques, and the role of water and wastewater treatment plants in spreading microplastics. By understanding the challenges associated with microplastics and implementing effective strategies, we can work towards reducing the impact of this pollution and preserving the health of our aquatic ecosystems.

Weight: 593g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789811684425
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022