Microplastics removal efficiency in wastewater treatment plants in Jordan

Objective This study aims to assess the concentration and removal efficiency of microplastics (MPs) at a major wastewater treatment plant in Jordan, a region with limited data on MP pollution. Methods A field-based experimental study was conducted. Grab samples of 14 L were collected from both influent and effluent streams on a single sampling day. Wet sieving was used to isolate MPs in the 38–1000 µm range, followed by wet peroxide oxidation and optical microscopy for particle quantification and morphological classification. Results The influent contained an average of 62.6 MPs/L, while the effluent had 23.8 MPs/L, resulting in an overall MP removal efficiency of 62%. Fibers and fragments were the most prevalent types in the effluent, indicating partial resistance to the treatment process. Conclusion The results underscore the presence of residual MPs in treated wastewater and suggest a need for more robust filtration technologies and plastic management strategies to reduce environmental MP release.