Fontes de contaminação de microplásticos e avaliação de possíveis métodos de tratamento de água e efluentes
Data
2022-12-16
Autores
Oliveira, Mariana Silva de 
Paz, Thais Clear da Silva Ferreira
Orientadores
Ribeiro, Katia
Tipo
Trabalho de conclusão de curso
Título da Revista
ISSN da Revista
Título de Volume
Resumo
Como consequência do consumo excessivo e descarte de materiais plásticos não
biodegradáveis no meio ambiente, o crescimento da poluição e contaminação causada por esses
componentes se torna preocupante. Um dos principais resíduos e foco da presente revisão, é o
microplástico, partícula microscópica com tamanho menor que 5 mm. Essas partículas são
divididas em duas categorias: primários, os já produzidos nessa escala para aplicação em
cosméticos e produtos de higiene; e os secundários, gerados a partir da degradação de plásticos
comuns. Estudos recentes já determinaram a presença desses compostos em ar atmosférico,
água potável e em mares e rios, no entanto, pouco se sabe sobre os efeitos na saúde dos seres
vivos, podendo ser relacionados a doenças como obesidade e problemas respiratórios. A fim de
entender formas de contaminação e de tratamento, foram mapeadas possíveis fontes de emissão
de microplásticos no meio ambiente, como aterros sanitários, descarte inadequado de resíduos,
estações de tratamento de efluentes e opções de remoção e descontaminação, seja por métodos
convencionais como coagulação, flotação ou com o emprego de mecanismos inovadores como
partículas marinhas biogênicas. Com o objetivo de analisar os métodos abordados, alguns
parâmetros como tamanho e composição dos microplásticos e eficiência de remoção foram
comparados. Notou-se que, se tratando de métodos convencionais, já utilizados nas estações de
tratamento de água, os métodos de flotação se destacam em relação à eficácia. Já se tratando de
métodos biológicos de degradação, o experimento com organosilanos obteve resultados
bastante promissores, foram retidos 85% dos microplásticos presentes. Por fim, uma abordagem
que combine algum dos métodos físico-químicos com um método de degradação por
microrganismos específicos pôde ser sugerida como tema de futuros estudos.
As a consequence of the excessive consumption and disposal of non-biodegradable plastic materials in the environment, the growth of pollution and contamination caused by these components becomes a concern. One of the main residues, and the focus of this review, is microplastic, a microscopic particle smaller than 5 mm. These particles are divided into two categories: primers, those already produced on this scale for application in cosmetics and hygiene products; and the secondary ones, generated from the degradation of common plastics. Recent studies have already determined the presence of these compounds in atmospheric air, drinking water and in seas and rivers, however, not much is known about the effects on the health of living beings, which may be related to diseases such as obesity and respiratory problems. In order to understand the forms of contamination and treatment of this contamination, possible sources of emission of microplastics in the environment were mapped, such as landfills, improper disposal of waste, effluent treatment plants and options for removal and decontamination, either by conventional methods such as coagulation, flotation or with the use of innovative mechanisms such as biogenic marine particles. In order to analyze the methods, some parameters such as size and composition of microplastics and removal efficiency were compared. It was noted that, in the case of conventional methods, already used in water treatment stations, flotation methods stand out in terms of effectiveness. And for the biological degradation methods, the experiment with organosilanes obtained very promising results, 85% of the microplastics present were retained. Finally, an approach that combines some of the physicochemical methods with a degradation method by specific microorganisms could be suggested as a topic for future studies.
As a consequence of the excessive consumption and disposal of non-biodegradable plastic materials in the environment, the growth of pollution and contamination caused by these components becomes a concern. One of the main residues, and the focus of this review, is microplastic, a microscopic particle smaller than 5 mm. These particles are divided into two categories: primers, those already produced on this scale for application in cosmetics and hygiene products; and the secondary ones, generated from the degradation of common plastics. Recent studies have already determined the presence of these compounds in atmospheric air, drinking water and in seas and rivers, however, not much is known about the effects on the health of living beings, which may be related to diseases such as obesity and respiratory problems. In order to understand the forms of contamination and treatment of this contamination, possible sources of emission of microplastics in the environment were mapped, such as landfills, improper disposal of waste, effluent treatment plants and options for removal and decontamination, either by conventional methods such as coagulation, flotation or with the use of innovative mechanisms such as biogenic marine particles. In order to analyze the methods, some parameters such as size and composition of microplastics and removal efficiency were compared. It was noted that, in the case of conventional methods, already used in water treatment stations, flotation methods stand out in terms of effectiveness. And for the biological degradation methods, the experiment with organosilanes obtained very promising results, 85% of the microplastics present were retained. Finally, an approach that combines some of the physicochemical methods with a degradation method by specific microorganisms could be suggested as a topic for future studies.