Microplastics in Wastewater Treatment Facilities: A Review of Occurrence, Toxicology, Treatment, and Current Regulatory Developments

Microplastics (MPs), polymeric particles which occur at a size range between 5,000 µm and 1 nm per regulatory definition, are associated with public health concerns and ubiquitously increasing environmental concentrations. MP contamination may pose considerable challenges as they fragment into infinitesimally smaller size fractions within treatment processes. First regulatory efforts are underway to mitigate the exposure from wastewater facilities. Utilities will be made aware of ongoing developments and proactive action that can be taken to manage microplastic contamination in wastewater and biosolids.