Paul Fletcher

Addressing Microplastics in Wastewater: Paul Fletcher’s Commitment to Sustainability

Paul Fletcher, a Senior Technical Professional from Kleinfelder’s Bowling Green, OH office, is driving forward efforts to address a pressing global environmental issue: microplastics in wastewater.

Microplastics are defined as plastic particles less than 5 mm in size. His dual initiatives — one with University of Toledo (UT) students and another through personal research — exemplify his commitment to sustainability and innovation.

At the University of Toledo, Paul mentored five students in a semester-long sustainability course project titled “Removal of Microplastics in Wastewater Influent.” The students were tasked with researching various materials and mesh sizes to identify effective options for filtering microplastics from a specific wastewater treatment facility (WWTF). These particles, which have been reported in literature to be around 500 microns in size, originate from grinder pumps in sewer networks and pose a growing environmental concern as they bypass conventional screening equipment and treatment at wastewater treatment facilities. Without intervention, these particles either enter the environment via wastewater effluent or accumulate in biosolids, which are often applied to land. Following this task, the students conducted a preliminary design of a system to remove these microplastics to fit in an existing concrete structure.

The project has sparked critical thinking among students, encouraging them to explore practical, innovative solutions while honing their ability to evaluate pros and cons. This initiative not only aligns with sustainability goals but also instills future professionals with an appreciation for addressing environmental challenges. Paul was invited to attend the students’ presentation at the end of the semester.

In parallel, Paul is pursuing a personal long-term goal to design a piece of equipment capable of removing small plastic particles in WWTFs serving smaller systems processing less than 3 million gallons per day. These smaller facilities are often overlooked, with agencies focusing on larger capacity facilities, but they do still discharge microplastics. This work is currently in its foundational phase. Paul’s dedication to this initiative reflects a broader commitment to reducing the environmental impact of wastewater and advancing sustainable practices.

Through his leadership and vision, Paul is not only driving innovative solutions but also inspiring the next generation of engineers to consider sustainability as part of their thought and design processes.