Ecologist Rybalchenko explained how microplastic from sewage harms nature.

      28 October 2025 16:56

      Society

      The sewage system is a complex mechanism designed to collect and remove waste from human activity. For its efficient operation, it is important to avoid clogging it with plastic products and their derivatives.

      The sewage system consists of engineering structures and pipelines located inside apartment buildings. Water and waste enter the municipal sewer through the sewer outlet. They are then sent to sewage pumping stations, where, under pressure and with changes in elevation, they are transported to treatment plants. After treatment, the water is discharged into bodies of water.

      The municipal sewer is intended for domestic wastewater, not for solid municipal waste. Flushing items such as cat litter or hygiene products down the toilet leads to clogs. Absorbent materials soak up moisture and expand in size, blocking pipes. Wet wipes and other non-soluble materials also contribute to blockages.

      Clogs can occur both in an individual building and in the municipal sewer. In the first case, this leads to water supply problems, unpleasant odors, and excess moisture in the basement. In the second case — to sewer overflows, water spilling onto the streets, and environmental pollution.

      But clogs are only one problem. A more global one is that particles of microplastic end up in the effluent. Moreover, even soapy water containing microfibers from washing synthetic clothing partially ends up in nature after passing through the sewer system, said Ilya Rybalchenko, an expert in strategic management at ICS Consulting and a member of the Scientific Council of PPK REO, to 360.ru.

      Even after wastewater treatment, some microplastic remains in the sludge, which may be applied to fields. As a result, microplastic enters the soil, water bodies, and the atmosphere.

      Microplastic decomposes very slowly due to its strong carbon–carbon structure and hydrophobicity. Under the influence of light and oxygen the material becomes brittle and breaks down into small fragments. However, this process takes decades and centuries.

      In addition, microplastic settles in the bottom sediments of water bodies, enters the food chain, and affects living organisms. Fish, mollusks, plankton, and mammals mistake microplastic for food, which leads to gastrointestinal inflammation, and disruptions to reproduction and behavior.

      The ecologist emphasized that clogging sewers with plastic and microfibers harms not only the infrastructure but also the environment. To minimize the negative impact, it is important to use the sewer system properly and avoid disposing of non-soluble waste.

      NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" has a Telegram channel. Subscribe to stay informed about the main events, exclusive materials, and timely information.

      Copyright © 1999—2025 NIA "Nizhny Novgorod". When republishing, a hyperlink to NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" is mandatory. This resource may contain 18+ materials.