The city of Terrassa will host two of the project's sampling points, located at the Terrassa–Les Fonts WWTP, where both the incoming (influent) and outgoing (effluent) water will be monitored. This analysis is crucial for evaluating the volume of microplastics arriving and the extent to which the treatment process reduces their presence before the water is returned to the natural environment.
The study will focus on synthetic polymer particles insoluble in water, with very small sizes, ranging from 0.1 micrometers to 1.5 millimeters, in addition to fibers that can reach up to 15 millimeters in length. Materials analyzed include polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene, commonly found in plastic bags, containers, or toys.
This is a pioneering measure, which should serve to identify the real scope of microplastic contamination in rivers and establish, in the future, specific actions to minimize their presence.
To carry out the study, the ACA has put out to tender a contract valued at 291,037 euros, with a total duration of 23 months. The project includes three sampling campaigns that will collect 123 samples, dedicating fourteen months to fieldwork and six months to the analysis and preparation of the results.
