Tackling microplastic pollution with Nature-Based Solutions from urban runoff and wastewater

Key Points

• The aim is to evaluate the effectiveness of nature-based solutions in retaining microplastics from urban runoff and wastewater.
• Four sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) were studied in the Valencia region.
• Microplastic retention was assessed under various urban runoff conditions.
• Data collection involved measuring microplastic concentrations before and after treatment.
• Significant microplastic retention was observed in all four systems.
• Retention efficiency varied across the SuDS, with some systems capturing over 80% of microplastics.
• Findings indicate the potential of nature-based solutions in mitigating microplastic pollution.