Alexei Volkov
Plastic pollution is a pressing issue, with plastic debris ending up in oceans, rivers, and creeks. While beach towns work to reduce plastic use, researchers argue that the problem lies upstream, with stormwater drains carrying plastic waste into bodies of water. Plastic waste can also enter waterways through sewer pipes, with plastic pipes being a common choice for sewer systems, particularly in newer homes. The use of plastic in sewer pipes has raised health concerns due to the potential for chemical emissions and the presence of microplastics in drinking water.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic entering sewer drainage | Plastic debris can enter sewer drainage through street storm drains, particularly during heavy rains when plastic trash is washed down the street and into stormwater drains. |
| Impact on drinking water | Plastic debris does not affect the quality of drinking water as water treatment plants are designed to remove plastics before processing. |
| Environmental impact | Plastics entering sewer drainage can be transported through sewers to wastewater treatment plants and eventually into creeks, rivers, bays, and the ocean, contributing to plastic pollution in aquatic ecosystems. |
| Sewer pipe materials | Sewer pipes can be made of plastic, such as PVC or ABS, which are commonly used in homes built from the 1970s onwards due to their low cost, durability, and corrosion resistance. |
| Health concerns | The use of plastic in sewer pipes has raised health concerns due to the potential for hazardous emissions during installation and renovation projects, which can affect both workers and the public. |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic pollution in oceans
Plastic pollution in the oceans is a pressing global crisis. The oceans are inundated with plastic, with billions of pounds of plastic making up about 40% of the world's ocean surfaces. The extent of the problem is often unseen, with much of the plastic pollution beneath the surface, in the deepest trenches, and in the most remote coastlines.
Plastic pollution in the oceans has increased rapidly in the past 40 years, with an estimated 11 million metric tons of plastic entering the ocean every year. This is projected to increase to 29 million metric tons per year by 2040 if ambitious action is not taken. The primary sources of ocean plastic pollution are rivers and, in the case of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, fishing gear. The Great Pacific Garbage Patch, located between Hawaii and California, is the most polluted and well-studied oceanic gyre. It is estimated to be twice the size of Texas and contains around 100 million kilograms of plastic, with larger objects continually fragmenting into smaller, harder-to-clean microplastics.
The plastic crisis in the oceans is caused by increasing consumption and improper waste management practices. While high-income countries have effective waste management systems, middle-income countries with growing plastic consumption and inadequate waste management systems contribute the most plastic emissions. Single-use, disposable plastic items account for a significant proportion of the pollution, with items such as plastic straws, bags, containers, and balloons being commonly found on beaches.
The impact of plastic pollution on marine life is deadly and widespread. Thousands of seabirds, sea turtles, seals, and other marine mammals are killed annually due to ingesting plastic or becoming entangled in it. Research indicates that half of the world's sea turtles have ingested plastic, and it is estimated that 60% of all seabird species have eaten plastic, with that number predicted to rise to 99% by 2050. Plastic ingestion reduces the storage volume in the stomach, leading to starvation.
To address the plastic pollution crisis in the oceans, systemic change is required. Governments and businesses must take the lead in reducing plastic usage, improving waste management practices, and treating plastic pollution as the hazardous waste it is. The Center for Biological Diversity has petitioned the US Environmental Protection Agency to regulate plastics as a pollutant, and efforts are being made to stop plastic pollution at its source.
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Plastic in sewer pipes
Plastic Waste in Sewer Pipes
Plastic waste in the sewer system is a significant contributor to plastic pollution in oceans, rivers, and other water bodies. During heavy rains, rainwater, sewage, and plastic trash are carried through sewer pipes directly into nearby water bodies, leading to plastic pollution. This plastic waste includes items such as plastic straws, bags, containers, and single-use disposable plastic items, which often accumulate at stormwater inlets and eventually make their way into the sewer system.
Plastic Pipes in the Sewer System
Plastic pipes, such as those made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) plastic, are commonly used in newer sewer line installations due to their ease of use, lightweight, and low cost. These plastic pipes are expected to have a lifespan of about 100 years underground. However, they are subject to breakage and have lower pressure ratings compared to cast-iron pipes. Older properties built before the 1950s may have clay, cast-iron, or fiber conduit pipes, which have longer lifespans and higher strength but are heavier and more challenging to work with.
In some cases, older sewer pipes are renovated using a technique called cured-in-place pipes (CIPP), where a plastic liner is formed along the inner walls of the old pipe. While CIPP is a widely used and cost-effective method, there are concerns about the health risks associated with emissions from the materials used in the process, which can affect both workers and nearby residents. Organizations like the National Association of Sewer Service Companies (NASSCO) are studying the safety of these emissions to address the potential hazards.
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Plastic in stormwater drains
Plastic waste is a significant contributor to stormwater pollution. When plastic waste is incorrectly disposed of and left on the streets, it can be carried by rainwater and wind into storm drains or nearby waterways. This plastic waste then ends up in rivers, which flow out to the sea, causing ocean plastic pollution.
Stormwater conveys approximately 80% of the 8 million tonnes of plastic pollution that enters our waterways and oceans each year. At this rate, ocean plastic pollution is estimated to triple by 2040, reaching about 29 million tonnes of marine plastic annually. This plastic pollution has severe adverse impacts on animals, including humans, and natural ecosystems.
Microplastics, pieces of plastic smaller than 5mm or a sesame seed, are particularly challenging to separate from stormwater flows and natural water bodies. They can remain in the environment for tens to hundreds of years, causing irreparable damage to the ecosystems that humans depend on.
To combat plastic pollution in stormwater, several measures can be implemented:
- Bans or restrictions on single-use plastic products, such as plastic bags, straws, and Styrofoam containers, have proven effective but require significant legislative effort.
- Public programs and volunteer initiatives, such as Adopt-A-Highway or community clean-up events, help remove plastic litter from streets and waterways, raising public awareness about plastic pollution.
- Education campaigns, storm drain stencils, and signs encourage behavioural changes and raise awareness about the proper disposal of plastic waste.
- Structural BMPs (Best Management Practices), such as booms, nets, fences, and skimmers, can be used in open waterways to capture plastic trash and prevent further pollution.
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Plastic in wastewater treatment
Plastic waste is a significant concern for sewer drainage and wastewater treatment. Plastic debris, such as plastic bottles, straws, bags, containers, and even smaller microplastics like wet wipes and microbeads from cosmetics, can accumulate in stormwater drains and sewer systems. During heavy rains, this plastic waste is transported through sewers and stormwater drains, eventually making its way into creeks, rivers, bays, and the ocean. This plastic pollution has far-reaching environmental consequences, leaving a trail of plastic waste that affects aquatic ecosystems.
Wastewater treatment plants play a crucial role in mitigating plastic pollution. Current treatment processes can remove a large portion of detectable microplastics. However, the challenge lies in detecting and treating microplastics due to their lack of uniformity in shape and size. Some microplastics are manufactured, while others result from the breakdown of larger plastic pieces. These microscopic particles can be as small as 0.001 to 5 millimeters, making them difficult to capture and treat effectively.
The Philadelphia Water Department (PWD), for example, employs various measures to address plastic pollution. They have a Storm Drain Marking Program to remind residents to keep stormwater drains clear of plastic litter. The PWD's Waterways Restoration Team actively removes large debris and bulk wastes from creeks and rivers, helping to control plastic pollution and prevent localized flooding. Additionally, the PWD organizes volunteer cleanups and supports research initiatives to measure and understand microplastic contamination in different waterways.
While wastewater treatment facilities can remove a significant amount of microplastics, there are concerns that some larger microplastics may be cycled through the treatment process, breaking down into smaller particles that eventually escape into the effluent. This highlights the need for ongoing research and innovation in wastewater treatment technologies to effectively eliminate microplastics and protect the environment.
Plastics are also used in the construction of wastewater treatment parts due to their advantageous properties. High-performance plastics, such as UHMW (Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene), offer low friction, high wear and chemical resistance, and zero water absorption. These plastics are used in screens at the headworks of treatment plants to capture and remove wastewater solids, resulting in cleaner discharges. Plastics like oil-filled nylon, fully recyclable UHMW, and close-tolerance acetal are also used in wastewater treatment parts due to their durability and ability to withstand harsh environments and aggressive chemicals.
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Health risks of plastic pipes
Plastic pipes are increasingly being used to replace metal ones in drinking water systems. However, research suggests that plastic pipes are a significant source of microplastics and nanoplastics in potable water systems. PVC and PE pipes, for example, crack and peel as they age, releasing plastic particles that can end up in drinking water. This increases human exposure to plastic compounds and chemical additives, such as antioxidants, fillers, flame retardants, pigments, plasticizers, and stabilizers.
The presence of these small plastic particles in drinking water can have potential adverse health impacts. Studies have shown that microplastics and nanoplastics increase the rate of plasticiser leaching and the adsorption/desorption of hazardous chemicals and pathogens in water, raising concerns for their negative effects on human health. In addition, the release of plastic particles contributes to the growing problem of plastic pollution in the environment.
Furthermore, some plastic pipes have been found to leach harmful chemicals and accumulate heavy metals such as lead. For example, PVC contains DEHP, a phthalate that can disrupt hormones and lead to potential reproductive issues. CPVC pipes, which are susceptible to UV light, can also become more fragile and prone to fractures when exposed to sunlight. This can result in the release of harmful chemicals and the contamination of water.
While there are no long-term data on exposure to plastic in drinking water, the available studies suggest potential health risks. These risks are compounded by the fact that the US drinking water infrastructure is deteriorating and in need of an upgrade. The choice of materials for new pipes must consider not only the safety and durability of the pipes but also the potential health consequences to ensure that the materials used will not harm public health or the environment.
In addition to the health risks associated with plastic pipes in drinking water systems, there are also concerns about the impact of plastic pipes on wastewater systems. Plastic debris from single-use disposable plastic items can enter stormwater drains and be transported through sewers to wastewater treatment plants. During heavy rains, plastic trash can be carried directly into creeks, rivers, and eventually the ocean, contributing to plastic pollution in aquatic ecosystems.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic that goes into sewer drainage can end up in creeks, rivers, bays, and eventually the ocean.
Plastic can get into sewer drainage through stormwater drains. When it rains, water washes down the street, pushing plastics and other trash into the stormwater drain.
The environmental impacts of plastic in sewer drainage include plastic pollution in oceans, rivers, and creeks, which can harm marine life and ecosystems.
Plastic sewer pipes are pipes made from PVC or ABS plastic that are used for underground sewer installations. They are lightweight, durable, and resistant to corrosion.
