Treatment tackles microplastics in wastewater
S. Himmelstein | February 03, 2021Wastewater transports large amounts of microplastics, particles measuring less than 5 mm originating from clothing as microfibers, into the environment. Existing treatment methods require physical isolation but do not degrade these contaminants, which requires additional work to manage the separated particles. Research conducted at Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, Canada, has demonstrated an effective method for microplastics degradation in water without production of any wastes or by-products.
Researchers tested an electrolytic oxidation process that does not require the use of chemicals. The method The oxidation process proved promising for degradation of microplastics in water. Source: Marthe Kiendrebeogo et al.generates hydroxyl radicals to attack microplastics, decomposing the particles into carbon dioxide and water molecules.
Laboratory trials conducted on water artificially contaminated with polystyrene showed a degradation efficiency of 89%, with 58% of the microparticles degraded in one hour. Analyses indicated that the microparticles degraded directly into gaseous products rather than degrading into smaller particles.
The researchers envision scaling this technology, described in Environmental Pollution, for application in commercial laundry facilities.