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Scaling, performance, and quality: Machine-Learning evidence for how WWTP and compost processes shape microplastics.

Ling Shu1, Zhoujia Jiang1, Yufan Fei2

  • 1Sino-Spain Joint Laboratory for Agricultural Environment Emerging Contaminants of Zhejiang Province, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang Agriculture and Forestry University, Hangzhou, 311300, China; Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Soil Remediation and Quality Improvement, Zhejiang Agriculture and Forestry University, Hangzhou, 311300, China.

Environmental Research
|May 7, 2026
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Composting transfers microplastics (MPs) to soil. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) can reduce MPs, with primary clarification being most effective. Optimizing total plastic removal rate and daily treatment capacity minimizes MP release.

Keywords:
CompostMachine learningMeta-analysisMicroplasticsScenario prediction

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Area of Science:

  • Environmental Science
  • Soil Science
  • Water Treatment Technology

Background:

  • Composting organic waste is a significant pathway for microplastics (MPs) to enter terrestrial ecosystems.
  • MP abundance varies in composts, with higher levels found in sludge-based and mixed composts compared to plant-derived materials.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To quantify microplastic removal in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs).
  • To identify key operational parameters for minimizing microplastic release from WWTPs.
  • To project scenarios for mitigating microplastic pollution through source control and sludge management.

Main Methods:

  • Meta-analysis of 635 records from 99 studies on MP abundance in compost and WWTPs.
  • Application of machine learning models (random forest with SHAP and partial dependence) to identify WWTP process levers.
  • Scenario modeling to predict MP burdens under different operational conditions.

Main Results:

  • Primary clarification in WWTPs demonstrated the highest MP removal efficiency.
  • Membrane bioreactor (MBR) sludge exhibited significantly higher MP levels compared to sequencing batch reactor (SBR) and conventional activated sludge (CAS) systems.
  • Total plastic removal rate (TPR) and daily treatment capacity (DTC) were identified as dominant parameters, with an optimal window (TPR ≈ 92.5-96%, DTC < 300,000 m³/d) for minimizing downstream MP burdens.

Conclusions:

  • WWTPs play a crucial role in controlling microplastic transfer to soils via compost.
  • Optimizing WWTP operations, specifically TPR and DTC, is essential for reducing microplastic pollution.
  • Mitigation strategies should focus on source control to decrease influent MP loads and enhance sludge treatment performance.