Investigating the pollution footprint of imported paper and plastic waste processing plants in malaysia on water quality and microplastics

This study investigated the impact of plastic waste and wastepaper recycling factories on river water quality and microplastic contamination. The objective was to assess pollutants and microplastic characteristics near industrial discharge points. Water samples were collected for analysis. In-situ physicochemical parameters, including pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, salinity, turbidity, and total dissolved solids, were measured at each sampling point using calibrated portable multiparameter and single-parameter water quality meters. Microplastics were examined under a Nikon Eclipse E200 optical microscope, while phthalates, Bisphenol A (BPA), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were analysed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Results showed that turbidity levels exceeded drinking water standards (up to 996 NTU), salinity indicated brackish conditions (21.71–23.87 ppt), and conductivity and total suspended solids were markedly elevated (38,452.33–41,676.33 µS/cm; up to 1,106 mg/L). Dissolved oxygen levels were low (1.35–2.78 mg/L), indicating severely degraded water quality. Most chemical pollutants were below detection limits, except for toluene, which was detected at one sampling location (3.0 µg/L). Microplastics were observed in all samples; however, polymer confirmation was not conducted. In conclusion, findings confirm significant deterioration of water quality and notable microplastic contamination attributable to industrial discharges from recycling activities.

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