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Abstract
Microplastics, or plastics that are <5 mm in length or diameter, have been identified as a pollutant of emerging concern in the world’s ecosystems. Freshwater systems have been recently recognized as a crucial component of the plastic cycle, transporting plastic pollution from terrestrial to marine systems. Wastewater may contribute a substantial amount of plastic pollution to streams and rivers; yet, limited research has explored the variation in the concentration, volume, and diversity of plastics generated by wastewater. To better understand the spatial and temporal patterns in wastewater-derived microplastic pollution, we quantified and characterized microplastic pollution in effluent from three, distinct sewersheds in Athens-Clarke County, GA. We found that sampling date, particle size, and particle shape were the best predictors of microplastic characteristics in treated wastewater. These findings provide insights as to what types of plastic systems can expect in their wastewater and can aid regulations on reducing plastic pollution.