One of the most recent emerging contaminants in the water environment is microplastics. There are many sources of these microconstituents in our wastewater streams and the quantity and composition of these that enter wastewater treatment plants and are either captured or released into the environment are the subject of much international research. If captured in the liquid stream processes, there is also great much interest in which stage microplastics ultimately sequester and what impact they have on the quality and endues of biosolids and reuse water streams. This learning module is provided by a range of experts including both researchers and practitioners.
At the end of this learning module, participants will be able to
- list the current state of the knowledge on microplastics;
- identify appropriate focus for management efforts to handle this emerging contaminant at water resource recovery facilities in the near and long-term; and
- explain potential areas needing more research.
