The fate of microplastic in sludge management systems

Abstract

Sewage sludge (SS) from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) is commonly used as a soil amendment on agricultural land; however, this sludge contains microplastics (MPs) which harm soil ecosystems and can leach into aquatic environments. This review aims to assess the fate of MPs in SS systems and, in the context of a changing agricultural scene, present alternatives for sustainable SS disposal that are consistent with the practices of a clean, circular economy. Anaerobic digestion and composting, which are commonly used to stabilize SS before land application, were not reported to substantially affect MP removal, although process efficiency and the microbiome were affected by MPs. Alternatively, MPs can be destroyed or removed by mono-incineration or combustion, but unfortunately, some MPs may remain in the ash after these processes. Therefore, the most desirable solutions would prevent MPs from entering the environment and remove them before they enter the biological part of a WWTP, where they build up in SS. Additionally, the management of MP-containing sludge must be adapted to the geographical context and the local economy, and it should begin with legislation addressing MPs in SS. The information presented here will help to develop good practices in waste management for preventing or decreasing the transfer of MPs into the environment.