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Microplastics in Sewage Sludge: Worldwide Presence in Biosolids, Environmental Impact, Identification Methods and Possible Routes of Degradation, Including the Hydrothermal Carbonization Process

Author

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  • Zuzanna Prus

    (Department of Heat Engineering and Environment Protection, AGH University of Krakow, 30 Mickiewicza Av., 30-059 Krakow, Poland)

  • Małgorzata Wilk

    (Department of Heat Engineering and Environment Protection, AGH University of Krakow, 30 Mickiewicza Av., 30-059 Krakow, Poland)

Abstract

Biomass-to-biofuel conversion represents a critical component of the global transition to renewable energy. One of the most accessible types of biomass is sewage sludge (SS). This by-product from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) contains microplastics (MPs) originating from household, industrial and urban runoff sources. Due to their small size (<5 mm) and persistence, MPs present a challenge when they are removed from sewage systems, where they mainly accumulate (~90%). The presence of MPs in SS poses environmental risks when biosolids are applied as fertilizer in agriculture or incinerated for the purpose of energy production. The key problem is the efficient and reliable identification and reduction of MPs in sewage systems, due to the lack of standardized procedures. The reduction methods for MPs might involve physical, chemical, biological, and hydrothermal approaches, including hydrothermal carbonization (HTC). The HTC of SS produces hydrochar (HC), a solid biofuel, and presents a cutting-edge approach that simultaneously addresses secondary microplastic pollution and renewable biomass-derived energy production. In this article, we review briefly the MPs content in biosolids from different countries, and present HTC as a promising method for their removal from SS. In conclusion, HTC (i) effectively reduces the abundance of MPs in biosolids, (ii) produces an improved solid source of energy, and (iii) contributes to circular SS management.

Suggested Citation

  • Zuzanna Prus & Małgorzata Wilk, 2024. "Microplastics in Sewage Sludge: Worldwide Presence in Biosolids, Environmental Impact, Identification Methods and Possible Routes of Degradation, Including the Hydrothermal Carbonization Process," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(17), pages 1-26, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:17:y:2024:i:17:p:4219-:d:1462809
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Isabella Gambino & Francesco Bagordo & Tiziana Grassi & Alessandra Panico & Antonella De Donno, 2022. "Occurrence of Microplastics in Tap and Bottled Water: Current Knowledge," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(9), pages 1-15, April.
    2. Changbo Jiang & Lingshi Yin & Xiaofeng Wen & Chunyan Du & Lixue Wu & Yuannan Long & Yizhuang Liu & Yuan Ma & Qide Yin & Zhenyu Zhou & Hemin Pan, 2018. "Microplastics in Sediment and Surface Water of West Dongting Lake and South Dongting Lake: Abundance, Source and Composition," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(10), pages 1-15, October.
    3. Kossińska, Nina & Krzyżyńska, Renata & Ghazal, Heba & Jouhara, Hussam, 2023. "Hydrothermal carbonisation of sewage sludge and resulting biofuels as a sustainable energy source," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 275(C).
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