A review of microplastics in wastewater treatment plants in Türkiye: Characteristics, removal efficiency, mitigation strategies for microplastic pollution and future perspective

The effluent of WWTPs is an important source of microplastics (MP) for the aquatic environment. In this review study, MPs in wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) in Turkiye and their removal from WWTPs are reviewed for the first time. First, MP characteristics (polymer type, shape, size, color) in the influent and effluent of WWTPs in Turkiye are discussed. In the next section, the abundance of MP in the influent and effluent of WWTPs in Turkiye and the MP removal efficiency of WWTPs in Turkiye are evaluated. Then, the results of studies on MP abundance and characteristics in Turkiye's aquatic environments are presented and suggestions are made to reduce MPs released from WWTPs into the receiving environments. Strategies for reducing MPs released to the receiving environment from WWTPs of Turkiye are summarized. In the last section, research gaps regarding MPs in WWTPs in Turkiye are identified and suggestions are made for future studies. This review paper provides a comprehensive assessment of the abundance, dominant characteristics, and removal of MPs in WWTPs in Turkiye, as well as the current status and deficiencies in Turkiye. Therefore, this review can serve as a scientific guide to improve the MP removal efficiency of WWTPs in Turkiye.