Prior microplastic (MP) research has focused more on the efficiency of removal techniques within wastewater treatment plants (WWTP), with comparatively less emphasis placed on identifying and understanding the sources of MPs. In this study, the presence of MP in wastewater from various sources and their associated WWTPs was investigated. Utilising focal plane array micro Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FPA-μFTIR), the chemical composition, size distribution, and mass of MPs were quantified. Notably, wastewater generated from an industrial laundry facility exhibited the highest MP concentration of 6900 counts L or 716 μg L. Domestic sewage contained MP levels (1534 counts L; 158 μg L) similar to those at the WWTPs (1640 counts L; 114 μg L). Polyester was identified as a significant component in most of the sources, predominantly originating from the shedding of fibres during textile washing. Additionally, a post-processing software was employed to compare two methods for fibre identification: aspect ratio and elongation ratio. These findings underscore the potential environmental impact of domestic activities and laundry washing on wastewater MP content.

中文翻译：

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污水系统中微塑料的点源跟踪。寻找罪魁祸首


先前的微塑料 (MP) 研究更多地关注废水处理厂 (WWTP) 内去除技术的效率，相对较少强调识别和了解 MP 的来源。在这项研究中，调查了各种来源的废水及其相关污水处理厂中 MP 的存在情况。利用焦平面阵列微傅里叶变换红外光谱 (FPA-μFTIR)，对 MP 的化学成分、尺寸分布和质量进行了量化。值得注意的是，工业洗衣设施产生的废水显示出最高的 MP 浓度，为 6900 counts L 或 716 µg L。生活污水中 MP 含量（1534 counts L；158 µg L）与污水处理厂的相似（1640 counts L；114 µg L）。 L）。聚酯被认为是大多数来源中的重要成分，主要源自纺织品洗涤过程中脱落的纤维。此外，还使用后处理软件来比较两种纤维识别方法：长径比和伸长率。这些发现强调了家庭活动和洗衣对废水 MP 含量的潜在环境影响。