Developing advanced analysis methods for the preparation, characterisation and quantification of microplastics in wastewater streams

The early 2000s saw the beginning of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) being seen as a potential source of microplastics (MPs) in the environment. During this time, the first study investigating the prevalence of microplastics pollution in the environment was conducted. Research into the extent of microplastics emissions from WWTPs has gained popularity over the last decade. Microplastics are known to enter living organisms, including humans, and while the toxicological mechanism of microplastics is still under investigation, microplastics are small enough to act as a vector for pathogens to enter the body and increase risk to disease.

To understand the extent of microplastics pollution and determine whether existing methodologies for the removal of microplastics from wastewater streams are suitable, accurate and consistent methods for the analysis of microplastics from major potential sources such as WWTPs is needed. Researchers in microplastics analysis recognise the importance of reliable identification, full characterisation, and accurate quantification of microplastics, and all the current available techniques have their own specific limitations. Common analytical techniques such as FTIR and Raman spectroscopies are popular for microplastics analysis, but more advanced methods are emerging as technology advances. However, the complicated nature of microplastics analysis goes beyond the instrument of choice.

Comparison across studies is made more complicated by the extensive variety in methodology for sample collection, treatment, and preparation all the way through to data processing, reporting and dissemination. The need for unified methods and standardisation is apparent and recognised across the field. The variety of methods used, from sampling to data analysis, make results difficult to compare and therefore, the extent of microplastics escaping WWTPs remains uncertain.

This project will focus on method development and validation for the accurate...