Optimization of coagulation and sedimentation conditions by turbidity measurement for nano- and microplastic removal

Plastic pollution has emerged as a potential threat to drinking water quality. Coagulation and sedimentation processes are suggested to be an effective way of removing small plastic particles from water. However, a conventional jar test consumes a large volume of plastic specimens, producing secondary wastes and hindering a quick optimization of the treatment processes for nano/microplastic removal. This study investigates the monitoring of nano- and microplastic behavior (0.1, 1, and 10 μm-sized polystyrene) in coagulation and sedimentation processes by a simple turbidity measurement. The coagulation and the subsequent floc sedimentation of the plastic particles could be observed in a turbidity vial with a small volume (∼15 mL), allowing a fast screening of coagulant type, dose, sedimentation time, and water environment. In particular, the physicochemical properties of coagulants could be screened in the turbidity monitoring, where the hydrophobic interaction is identified to be important for the coagulation of nano-sized plastic particles. The optimal coagulation/sedimentation conditions from the turbidity monitoring could be applied to the jar test, achieving the high removal efficiencies of nano/microplastic particles. The plastic removal after the coagulation/sedimentation process could be estimated based on linearity between the plastic concentration and the turbidity. The turbidity-driven removal efficiency well corresponds to that derived from the mass-based calculation of the jar test when with a complete floc settling. Our findings suggest that the turbidity measurement can provide a rational optimization of the water treatment processes for the effective removal of nano- and microplastics.