Microplastics in Ship Sewage and Solutions to Limit Their Spread: A Case Study

Abstract

The case study presented in the paper is the first in the field to find microplastic (MP) particles in both grey water (GW) and post-treatment sewage (TS) samples, which can also be legally discharged into specially protected areas. Compiling a data set of 50 water samples collected from the GW and TS samples of 5 transport ships involved in the case study, we show that the mean number of separated microparticles in the GW samples n = 72 particles per litre, and in the TS samples n = 51 particles per litre. Of the 614 separated particles, the most common were fibres n = 285 (46.4%), followed by other (various) hard particles n = 226 (36.8%) and soft particles n = 104 (16.8%). Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR FT-IR) identification was mainly in the form polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) (solid particles and films), polyesters, polyamides, and acrylic fibres. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis revealed ecotoxic chemical elements on the surface of these particles. Our results show that the sewage treatment facilities installed on ships need to be improved, and we developed a solution for this. The findings of the case study certainly deserve further attention and serve as an impetus for research on the improvement of ship wastewater treatment facilities.

Evaluación De La Calidad Química Y Microbiológica Del Agua Para Consumo Humano De La Junta De Agua Potable De La Parroquia Benitez, Cantón Pelileo, Provincia De Tungurahua

“…Para vertientes, tanques de recepción y almacenamiento las muestras deben ser recolectadas sigilosamente ya que los dedos no deben topar las paredes internas del recipiente, de igual manera se realiza para el muestreo en los domicilios, la muestra es tomada directamente del grifo de la red de distribución previamente desinfectando la boquilla del grifo con alcohol posterior a esto se abre y se dejar fluir el agua por 2 a 3 minutos para que la muestra de agua sea la más óptima (12,13).…”

Biological treatment methods of ship sewage: Case study

“…Human activities have been changing the environment for centuries, which has negatively impacted the chemistry of the Earth's atmosphere and water, the rates and balance of biogeochemical processes, and the diversity of life on the planet (Cloern, 2001). Although the maritime industry has strict environmental protection policies, there are concerns about the environmental impact of operational and accidental spills from ballast, run-off, waste, and sewage (Kalnina et al, 2022). Global and governing organizations have developed various plans and regulations on how to minimize and practically measure the pollution from ships, including water and air pollution, and minimize the effects on human health and fauna.…”

“…The International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the United Nations have implemented Sustainable Development Agenda 2030, which sets seventeen goals for sustainable development, and UN Sustainable Development Goals that relate to ship activities and water pollution elimination, includes the following: 3. good health and well-being; 6. clean water and sanitation; 7. affordable and clean energy; 9. industry, innovation and infrastructure; 13. climate action; 14. life below water (International Maritime Organization, 2019;Kalnina et al, 2022).…”

“…Ship water pollution consists of ship wastewater pollution, which can be divided into two groups: sewage or "black water" (BW), and "gray water" (GW). As it is defined in the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL 73/78) Technical Annex 4, sewage is wastewater and other wastes from toilets of any kind (including medical premises and spaces containing living animals), urinals or other wastes mixed with the above (International Maritime Organization, 2017; Kalnina et al, 2022). GW refers to drains from washbasins, galley sinks, showers, laundries, bathtubs, and washbasin drains, but does not include BW (International Maritime Organization, 2017), and is not yet regulated through the IMO.…”

“…The amount depends on vessel type, persons on board, and other variables. An average of 61 % of GW comes from the cabin area, 25 % from the kitchens, and 14 % from the laundry (Kalnina et al, 2022). The quantity of BW generated per day depends on the system onboard the ship.…”