Influence of tourism on microplastic contamination at wastewater treatment plants in the coastal municipality of Chiclana de la Frontera
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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.Tourism significantly increases microplastic pollution in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in Chiclana de la Frontera. Higher microplastic (MP) discharge occurs during peak tourist season, impacting marine environments.
Area Of Science
- Environmental Science
- Marine Biology
- Water Treatment Technology
Background
- Tourism is a major economic driver in the Bay of Cadiz, leading to significant population increases in areas like Chiclana de la Frontera during summer.
- Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are recognized as potential sources of microplastic (MP) pollution in marine ecosystems.
- Understanding the impact of seasonal population fluctuations on MP discharge from WWTPs is crucial for environmental protection.
Purpose Of The Study
- To investigate the influence of tourism on the presence, discharge, and environmental impact of microplastics (MPs) from WWTPs.
- To quantify MP abundance and characteristics in wastewater during low and high tourist seasons.
- To assess the removal efficiency of MPs by WWTPs and estimate their contribution to the receiving aquatic environment.
Main Methods
- Sampling of wastewater influent and effluent from urban and resort WWTPs during 2021 (low and high seasons).
- MP extraction using NOAA-recommended methods and UTS treatment for organic matter and cellulose removal.
- Analysis of MP abundance, shape, size, and polymer type (ATR-FTIR), alongside WWTP removal rates.
Main Results
- Microplastic abundance varied significantly, with higher concentrations observed at the resort WWTP during high season (1246.4–345.7 MPs/L in influent; 72.9–4.2 MPs/L in effluent).
- Fibers were the predominant MP shape, and Acrylates, PE, and PA were the most common polymers identified.
- WWTPs demonstrated high MP retention (84.1–99.3%), yet still discharged an estimated 1.4 × 10^7–5.9 × 10^8 MPs/day.
Conclusions
- Increased MP levels in wastewater at the resort WWTP correlate directly with population surges due to summer tourism.
- Despite efficient MP removal, WWTPs contribute substantially to aquatic microplastic pollution, particularly during peak tourist seasons.
- Effective wastewater management strategies are needed to mitigate tourism-driven MP pollution in coastal ecosystems.
View abstract on PubMed
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