Microplastics Still Threaten Us After Wastewater Treatment – Here’s Why

Microplastics Still Threaten Us After Wastewater Treatment – Here’s Why

By Quantum Server Networks | April 22, 2025

Harmful Microplastics - Source: Phys.org

Even with modern wastewater treatment technologies, microplastics—those tiny fragments of plastic less than 5mm in size—continue to infiltrate our environment. A new study by the University of Texas at Arlington reveals that existing treatment methods, while helpful, cannot fully eliminate microplastics from the water cycle. The findings shed light on the long-term health and ecological consequences of this persistent pollution problem.

The peer-reviewed research, published in Science of The Total Environment, highlights how microplastics act as carriers for dangerous pollutants such as Bisphenols, PFAS, and residual antibiotics. These contaminants can end up in our drinking water, on our clothes, and even in the food we consume—potentially leading to severe health outcomes like cardiovascular disease and cancer.

Invisible, But Dangerous

Microplastics are a byproduct of plastic degradation. Whether it's your polyester shirt or plastic packaging, as these materials break down, they release microscopic fibers and beads into the wastewater system. “Even the best treatment facilities can’t eliminate all of them,” said Dr. Un-Jung Kim, senior author of the study. “That’s why some of these particles re-enter the environment with potentially toxic hitchhikers.”

Standardized testing and global regulations are lacking, making it hard to measure how widespread the problem really is. Dr. Kim and lead author Jenny Kim Nguyen are calling for unified testing protocols to better understand and combat microplastic contamination.

What Can Be Done?

Solutions lie not only in improving infrastructure, but also in making conscious consumer choices. “We can reduce microplastic pollution by buying fewer synthetic fabrics and using eco-friendly products,” the researchers suggest.

This groundbreaking study is a wake-up call. As the team continues to refine their methodology for tracking and quantifying microplastic pollution, it becomes clearer that we need both technological and societal change to tackle this issue.

Read the full article on Phys.org here: https://phys.org/news/2025-04-microplastics-wastewater-treatment-pollutants-threatening.html

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