Microplastics removal efficiency in wastewater treatment plants in Jordan

ObjectiveThis study aims to assess the concentration and removal efficiency of microplastics (MPs) at a major wastewater treatment plant in Jordan, a region with limited data on MP pollution.MethodsA field-based experimental study was conducted. Grab samples of 14 L were collected from both influent and effluent streams on a single sampling day. Wet sieving was used to isolate MPs in the 38-1000 µm range, followed by wet peroxide oxidation and optical microscopy for particle quantification and morphological classification.ResultsThe influent contained an average of 62.6 MPs/L, while the effluent had 23.8 MPs/L, resulting in an overall MP removal efficiency of 62%. Fibers and fragments were the most prevalent types in the effluent, indicating partial resistance to the treatment process.ConclusionThe results underscore the presence of residual MPs in treated wastewater and suggest a need for more robust filtration technologies and plastic management strategies to reduce environmental MP release.