Coagulation of polyvinyl chloride microplastics by ferric and aluminium sulphate: Optimisation of reaction conditions and removal mechanisms
2021
Abstract
The occurrence of microplastics (MPs) in water intended for human consumption, including water supplied by drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs), has raised considerable attention. DWTPs appear to be capable of removing some of the MPs present in raw water; however, little is known about the efficiency of distinct treatment processes for MP elimination.
This study investigated the coagulation of model MPs, i.e., polyvinyl chloride particles = 15 mu m were completely removed. Nevertheless, a certain fraction of MPs (approximately 20% of the initial concentration, vast majority < 5 mu m) was not removable despite the wide range of coagulation conditions tested, which points out the limits of coagulation for MP removal.