Platinum in municipal sewage treatment plants

Platinum concentration in sewage and sludge of two large sewage treatment plants during dry weather and rainy weather periods was measured. The platinum concentration and load increase in primary effluents which are influenced by rainfall compared to dry weather conditions. The curve of daily platinum loads indicates, however, that in a large industrial area such as Munich the traffic is probably not the dominant source of platinum in municipal sewage. Comparative analysis of sewage sludge from 15 plants in smaller rural towns shows, that platinum concentration in sewage sludge of Munich is significantly higher.