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Cited by 126Microplastics and Plastic PollutionCoagulation and Flocculation StudiesWater Treatment and Disinfection

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Conventional and biological treatment for the removal of microplastics from drinking water

Cherniak, Samuel L., Almuhtaram, Husein, McKie, Michael J., Hermabessiere, Ludovic, Yuan, Chuqiao, Rochman, Chelsea M., Andrews, Robert C.·2022·Chemosphere
DOI 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.132587
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Abstract

This study examines the removal of microplastics and other anthropogenic particles (>10 μm) from surface water by a full-scale conventional drinking water treatment plant. The treatment process is composed of coagulation with aluminum hydroxide, flocculation, anthracite-sand filtration, and chlorination. Samples were also collected from pilot-scale biological filters consisting of anthracite-sand or granular activated carbon (GAC) media operated with or without pre-ozonation and at a range of different empty-bed contact times (EBCTs). Particles in 10 L water samples collected in duplicate using a fully enclosed sampling apparatus were separated using sieves with 500 μm, 300 μm, 125 μm, and 45 μm openings followed by filtration through 10 μm polycarbonate filters. Particles were counted using stereomicroscopy and characterized using μ-Raman spectroscopy. Full-scale conventional treatment removed 52 % of anthropogenic particles when comparing raw (42 ± 18 particles/L) and finished water (20 ± 8 particles/L). Coagulation, flocculation, and sedimentation accounted for the highest removal (70 %) of any individual unit process. Overall removal was reduced to 52 %, the difference being attributed to airborne particle deposition that occurred while water was detained in a clearwell (exposed to atmosphere via ventilation) that was used to achieve the required contact time for disinfection. The majority of the particles (>80 %) were identified as fibers 10-45 μm; microplastics were pre…

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Metadata

Authors
Cherniak, S. L., Almuhtaram, H., McKie, M. J., Hermabessiere, L., Yuan, C., Rochman, C. M., & Andrews, R. C.
Affiliations
University of Toronto (CA)
Corresponding author
Almuhtaram, Husein
ORCID
Venue
Chemosphere
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2022-02
Volume
288
Issue
Pt 2
Pages
132587
ISSN
0045-6535 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.132587
OpenAlex
W3207306026
Cited by
126
References
2
Citations by year
2026: 19 · 2025: 26 · 2024: 35 · 2023: 25 · 2022: 21
FWCI
5.05
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Licence
Locations
  • Chemosphere (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
  • Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada
  • University of Toronto
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Pollution › Microplastics and Plastic Pollution
  • Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Water Science and Technology › Coagulation and Flocculation Studies
  • Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis › Water Treatment and Disinfection
Keywords
microplastics, drinking water treatment, microfibers, coagulation, flocculation, granular activated carbon, biofilter, ozonation, empty bed contact time, aerosol deposition, polyester fibers, cellulose fibers, anthropogenic particles, surface water
MeSH terms
Microplastics, Filtration, Plastics, Water Purification, Drinking Water

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