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Perceptions and Knowledge of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Workers Regarding Plastic Pollution and Removal

Author

Listed:
  • Khumbelo Mabadahanye

    (School of Biology and Environmental Sciences, University of Mpumalanga, Nelspruit 1200, South Africa)

  • Mwazvita T. B. Dalu

    (School of Biology and Environmental Sciences, University of Mpumalanga, Nelspruit 1200, South Africa)

  • Linton F. Munyai

    (School of Biology and Environmental Sciences, University of Mpumalanga, Nelspruit 1200, South Africa)

  • Farai Dondofema

    (Department of Geography and Environmental Sciences, University of Venda, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa)

  • Tatenda Dalu

    (School of Biology and Environmental Sciences, University of Mpumalanga, Nelspruit 1200, South Africa)

Abstract

Plastic pollution is a problem and the world is currently dealing with its impacts on the aquatic environments. This study investigates the perceptions and knowledge of process controllers and managers from twelve water and wastewater treatment plants within two local municipalities (Thulamela and Makhado) in the Vhembe District Municipality, South Africa. The perceptions and knowledge of plastic pollution, limited resources and economic difficulties, the effects of plastic pollutants on water systems, a lack of information and training, and a lack of institutional support documents were the five main themes that were identified from semi-structured interviews with workers from the treatment plants. The findings show serious issues regarding plastic waste affecting treatment operations, ineffective methods of removing plastics and inadequate waste collection services in rural areas. Financial and material limits make managing plastic pollution even more difficult, and inconsistent training and a lack of institutional support make it difficult for workers to manage it consistently. The responses highlight the need for improved waste management plans, financial support for advanced filtration systems, and continuous training to provide workers with the skills and knowledge needed to reduce plastic pollution. These measures are crucial for maintaining the water quality and increasing treatment plants’ operational effectiveness.

Suggested Citation

  • Khumbelo Mabadahanye & Mwazvita T. B. Dalu & Linton F. Munyai & Farai Dondofema & Tatenda Dalu, 2025. "Perceptions and Knowledge of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Workers Regarding Plastic Pollution and Removal," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(1), pages 1-13, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:1:p:361-:d:1560919
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Jacoba M. M. Viljoen & Catherina J. Schenck & Liza Volschenk & Phillip F. Blaauw & Lizette Grobler, 2021. "Household Waste Management Practices and Challenges in a Rural Remote Town in the Hantam Municipality in the Northern Cape, South Africa," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(11), pages 1-24, May.
    2. Jorge Alejandro Silva, 2023. "Wastewater Treatment and Reuse for Sustainable Water Resources Management: A Systematic Literature Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(14), pages 1-31, July.
    3. Mwazvita T. B. Dalu & Ross N. Cuthbert & Hulisani Muhali & Lenin D. Chari & Amanda Manyani & Current Masunungure & Tatenda Dalu, 2020. "Is Awareness on Plastic Pollution Being Raised in Schools? Understanding Perceptions of Primary and Secondary School Educators," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(17), pages 1-17, August.
    4. Laurent Lebreton & Anthony Andrady, 2019. "Future scenarios of global plastic waste generation and disposal," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 5(1), pages 1-11, December.
    5. Khumbelo Mabadahanye & Mwazvita T. B. Dalu & Linton F. Munyai & Farai Dondofema & Tatenda Dalu, 2024. "Institutional Arrangements and Roles within Water and Wastewater Treatments in the Vhembe District, South Africa," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(19), pages 1-17, September.
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