We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastics in plastic bottle recycling and textile manufacturing wastewater: characterization and removal using ultrafiltration membranes
AI summary Read the abstract
Recycling plastic bottles and manufacturing textiles releases huge amounts of tiny plastic particles into wastewater—thousands per liter—which could eventually make their way into our water supply and environment if not filtered out properly. The good news: this study found that special filtering membranes can effectively strip out these microplastics, offering a practical way to keep them from spreading further, though the filters still need regular cleaning since oily/organic gunk clogs them faster than the plastic bits do.
The rapid growth of plastic industry has raised an intensive concern over microplastic pollution. Among various sources, plastic bottle recycling and textile manufacturing industries are emerging as the significant contributors but often overlooked in the existing research. This study aims to identify microplastics produced from both industries and evaluate their interaction with sodium alginate as model organic foulant using polyethersulfone (PES) and regenerated cellulose (RC) membranes. Microplastics were detected in the wastewater from plastic bottle recycling (2427 ± 110 microplastics/L) and textile manufacturing (967 ± 42 microplastics/L), predominantly within the 10–25 μm size range. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) microplastics were the most dominant type in plastic bottle recycling wastewater, with being the most prevalent shape. Meanwhile, rayon microplastics were mainly detected in the textile wastewater with fiber as the dominant shape. Both PES and RC membranes achieved excellent removal of PET and rayon microplastics. Besides, fouling effects of microplastics and organic foulants (sodium alginate as model extracellular polymeric substances) were simulated. Organic foulant resulted in a significant flux reduction (41–64%) compared to microplastics (8–25%), indicating greater fouling from organic matter. The combination of both microplastics and organic foulant further intensified the fouling effect. In addition, PET microplastics exhibited a greater flux reduction than rayon microplastics, likely due to their fragment shape, which tends to form denser fouling layers and clog the pores. Overall, both PES and RC membranes demonstrated good performance for PET and rayon microplastics in lab as well as real wastewater.
More Papers Like This
Removal of microplastics with UF membranes
AI summary Read the abstract
This Croatian thesis investigated using ultrafiltration membranes to remove microfibers released from synthetic textile washing. The study tested membrane performance for capturing these tiny plastic fibers before they enter waterways.
Direct filtration of microfibre-containing wastewater using nanofibre membranes: combined effects of mode of filtration and type of microfibre
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists tested how tiny plastic fibers from clothes and textiles affect water treatment systems that remove these pollutants from wastewater. They found that different types of plastic fibers either help or hurt the cleaning process depending on the material and how the water flows through filters. This research is important because it could help improve systems that remove microplastics from our water supply before they reach rivers, oceans, and potentially our drinking water.
[Effects of Microplastics on Membrane Fouling During a Shortened Ultrafiltration Membrane Process].
AI summary Read the abstract
This study investigated how microplastics in freshwater affect membrane fouling during ultrafiltration — a common drinking water treatment step — finding that their presence can compromise filter performance and potentially allows microplastics to pass into treated water supplies.
Removal of microplastic particles in water by ultrafiltration: assessment of process performances using a new characterization and quantification analytical technique
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers assessed the performance of ultrafiltration membranes for removing microplastic particles from water, developing a new characterization and quantification technique to evaluate removal efficiency. The study provides a methodological framework for filtration-based microplastic removal.
An evaluation of microplastics fate in the wastewater treatment plants: frequency and removal of microplastics by microfiltration membrane
AI summary Read the abstract
This study assessed microplastic removal efficiency at a wastewater treatment plant in Iran and tested microfiltration membrane performance, finding that the membrane significantly improved microplastic removal beyond conventional treatment steps.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.