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Using Cloth Media Filtration to Remove Microplastics from the Environment
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Researchers found that a cloth-based filtering system can remove over 90%, often 99%, of microplastics from wastewater before it's released back into rivers and lakes. This matters because it could significantly cut down the tiny plastic particles that end up in our water supply and, eventually, our bodies, offering a practical tool for cleaner water as regulations tighten.
Using Cloth Media Filtration to Remove Microplastics from the Environment Abstract Using Cloth Media Filtration to Remove Microplastics from the Environment1. Objectives and Status of the InvestigationThe global water sector is currently facing a transformative challenge: the pervasive presence of microplastics (MP), synthetic polymer particles measuring less than 5mm in diameter, within the aquatic environment. These contaminants are broadly classified into primary MP, such as microbeads found in personal care products like face scrubs, and secondary MP, which result from the mechanical and chemical degradation of larger plastic items. As these particles infiltrate municipal wastewater systems through domestic laundry, dishwashers, and stormwater runoff, the burden of mitigation falls heavily on Water Resource Recovery Facilities (WRRFs).The objective of this investigation is to evaluate the efficacy of Pile Cloth Media Filtration (PCMF) as a standardized, high-performance solution for MP removal. While MP quantification standards are still evolving globally, recent regulatory shifts-including the California State Water Board's 2022 monitoring requirements (SWB-MP2-rev1) and EU directives-have accelerated the need for proven treatment technologies. This study assesses how PCMF architecture, specifically the OptiFiber® line, interacts with various polymer species to protect receiving streams from plastic pollution.2. Methodology and Analytical FrameworkTo ensure technical accuracy, the investigation employed a multi-faceted methodology combining benchtop testing, pilot-scale evaluations, and full-scale operational data.A. Filtration MechanicsThe study focuses on the use of microfiber and ultrafiber PCMF. Similar to traditional sand filtration technologies, PCMF utilizes a depth filtration mechanism.• Active Filtration: Unfiltered water flows through the pile fibers, which capture MP within the depth of the cloth.• Backwash Mode: When the media requires cleaning, a backwash shoe engages the cloth, but filtration continues uninterrupted on other disks, ensuring constant treatment.B. Analytical QuantificationReliable data depends on sophisticated analytical methods. This investigation reviewed and utilized:• FT-IR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy): Effective for identifying a broad range of polymers, though it can struggle with dark particles.• Raman Spectroscopy: Provides high-resolution identification but is sensitive to fluorescence.• Py-GC/MS (Pyrolysis - Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectroscopy): Used to quantify the mass concentration of MP, particularly in European contexts.3. Findings and Performance DataThe results of this investigation confirm that PCMF consistently achieves over 90% removal rates of MP in wastewater effluent.A. Municipal WWRF Performance (Oldenburg, Germany)At the Oldenburg WWRF, PCMF was tested for its ability to capture various plastic morphologies from Figure A1:• Total Plastic Particles: Capture efficiency reached 97%.• Particles > 500 μm: Achieved 100% removal (0 particles/m³ in outlet).• Plastic Fibers: Achieved 98% removal, reducing counts from 906 to 16 particles/m³.B. Benchtop and Field Testing for Industrial ApplicationBenchtop tests focused on common polymers like Polyethylene (PE) and Polypropylene (PP).• PES-14 Media: Achieved 99.6% removal for PE and 99.8% removal for PP.• UF-10 Media: Achieved 99.9% removal for both polymer types.Due to the expense of MP standard analyses, visual analysis was the primary metric used. Pictures B1, B2, B3, and B4 show the filter basin with high levels of floating plastic, the influent to the filter, the effluent from the filter, and backwash generated during testing.C. Comparative EfficiencyWhen compared to other filtration technologies, PCMF demonstrated superior performance across the particle size spectrum:• Microfiber pile cloth filtration media was compared with microfiltration membrane technology. Both technologies yielded 99% removal of tested microplastics across the WWRF and 90% across the filtration process (Figure C1).• Microfiber pile cloth media was compared with continuous sand filtration in a publicly funded project in Europe known as REPLAWA. In this study, the microfiber PCMF removed 99% of PE whereas continuous sand filters removed only 74% (Figure C2).4. Significance and Technical ApplicabilityThe significance of this work lies in its practical application for the Circular Water Economy. By effectively removing MP, PCMF facilitates safer water reuse and protects public health.• Versatile Configurations: Scalable from small-flow systems <100,000 gpd and for systems > 100 MGD.• Diverse Applications: Tertiary filtration, Primary Filtration, Auxiliary Wet-Weather Treatment, and industrial applications laden with primary and secondary MP.• Proven Technology: The cloth media technology is a known solution for removing TSS and other contaminants from wastewater and has been used for tertiary filtration for over 35 years.5. ConclusionAs the water sector transitions toward more rigorous oversight of emerging contaminants, Pile Cloth Media Filtration stands as a proven and innovative solution. This investigation provides the empirical data necessary to demonstrate its efficacy for microplastics removal consistently greater than 90% across the filtration process. This paper was presented at WEFTEC 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Presentation time 08:30:00 09:00:00 Session time 8:30:00 9:30:00 Session Microplastic Removal and Insights From New Techniques Session location Ernest N. Morial Convention Center Topic Disinfection and Public Health, Microconstituents and Contaminants of Emerging Concern (Non-PFAS), Research and Innovation Topic Disinfection and Public Health, Microconstituents and Contaminants of Emerging Concern (Non-PFAS), Research and Innovation Author(s) Gable, Joshua Author(s) J. Gable 1 Author affiliation(s) Aqua Aerobic Systems Inc, 1 Source Proceedings of the Water Environment Federation Document type Conference Paper Publisher Water Environment Federation Print publication date Sep 2026 DOI 10.2175/193864718825160334 Volume / Issue Content source WEFTEC Copyright 2026 Word count 11 Purchase price $11.50 Get access Log in Purchase content Purchase subscription You may already have access to this content if you have previously purchased this content or have a subscription. 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