Microplastic accumulation in sewer sediments and its potential entering the environment via combined sewer overflows: a study case in Paris | Environmental Science and Pollution Research

Microplastic accumulation in sewer sediments and its potential entering the environment via combined sewer overflows: a study case in Paris | Environmental Science and Pollution Research

During wet weather events, combined sewer overflows (CSOs) transfer large amount of particulate matter and associated pollutants into surrounding water bodies, thereby deteriorating the recipients’ ecological health. Resuspension of sewer sediments during these events contributes significantly to pollution level of these discharges. However, how much this in-sewer process contributes to CSOs’ quality regarding microplastic (MP) pollution is little known. Therefore, an investigation on sewer deposits inside the Parisian combined sewer network was carried out. The study found high MP concentrations stored in this matrix, ranging from 5 × 103 to 178 × 103 particle/kg dry weight. .......