Effect of Biofilm Formation on Settling Velocities of Microplastics in Wastewater, Freshwater and Marine Ecosystems

Microplastics (MPs) are plastic particles that are smaller than 5 mm in size. They are detected in benthic invertebrates, fish and birds causing blockage of body systems, hence MPs endanger wellbeing of ecosystem and security of food sources. So far, the studies have focused on their removal from wastewater, yet the parameters affecting passage of removed MPs to sludge has not been studied systematically. Also, sedimentation process of MPs after release from point and diffuse sources into water bodies remains unclear. The purpose of this study is to figure out settling velocities of most commonly used MPs in sedimentation tanks in wastewater treatment plants as well as freshwater and marine environments to highlight how fast they settle in sludge and sink to the aquatic sediment with the effect of biological formations. In order to consider biofilm formation on MPs surface, which is very likely to occur in these mediums, a number of experiments is to be conducted to check settling velocities of various MPs pellets with and without biofilm formation in corresponding medium. Motion-based multiple object tracking MATLAB code is to be used for settling velocity measurement. The findings of the research are expected to reveal parameters affecting transport of MPs and provide information for future modeling studies and treatment technologies to handle this emerging pollutant.

By: Bahar Evren

Date & Time: December 4th, 2019 at 15:40 in CZ-14