AVANI ANEESH (STM21CE009)

NANDHASWAROOP (STM21CE023)

NIHA A (STM21CE024)

Microplastics, defined as plastic particles smaller than 5 mm in diameter, have emerged as pervasive environmental contaminants that pose significant challenges to wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and waste disposal systems. They originate from various sources such as household products, industrial activities, and environmental runoff, ultimately entering WWTPs where they undergo primary (screening and sedimentation), secondary (biological treatment), and tertiary (advanced treatment) processes. Despite these stages, conventional treatment methods are generally insufficient to completely eliminate microplastics, leading to their accumulation in treatment sludge. This study explores a sustainable solution by incorporating microplastics into bitumen, offering a novel disposal method with the potential to reduce environmental risks. Laboratory experiments were conducted to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of blending microplastics with bitumen, focusing on the resulting asphalt mix’s physical and mechanical properties. The findings highlight the dual benefits of addressing microplastic disposal while enhancing construction materials, demonstrating an innovative approach to mitigating the environmental consequences of microplastic pollution.

Keywords: Microplastics, Wastewater Treatment Plant, Electrocoagulation, Density Separation