BioTechniques News
Maddy Chapman
Original story from RMIT University (Melbourne, Australia).
Researchers have tested a more effective way to capture microplastics from wastewater, using a combination of microbubbles and nanobubbles to achieve removal rates of more than 90%.
The dual-bubble approach from RMIT University (Melbourne, Australia) can be adopted by wastewater treatment plants without major infrastructure changes by optimizing existing operating conditions, including air pressure, saturation time and bubble size.
Lead author Biplob Pramanik revealed the approach suggests a practical way to reduce microplastic pollution – a growing global issue.
“Wastewater treatment plants are a major pathway for microplastics as they slip through filtration processes, posing risks to ecosystems and human health,” Pramanik, who is also the director of RMIT’s Water Effective Technology and Tools Research Centre, explained.
“Our approach is simple to implement and significantly increases the removal of microplastics during the primary stage of treatment.”
The study investigated an enhanced version of dissolved air flotation, a widely used water treatment process that removes contaminants by attaching them to air bubbles and lifting them to the surface.
The researchers found plastic removal rates increased when microbubbles and nanobubbles were used together, outperforming systems that relied on either bubble type alone.
Microbubbles provide the lifting force needed to carry particles to the surface, while nanobubbles improve particle attachment and aggregation by increasing interactions between particles, making the process more effective.
Triple-threat algae engineered to turbocharge microplastic bioremediation
Engineered algae are a bioremediation triple threat, synergizing microplastic removal, upcycling and wastewater nutrient utilization to combat environmental contamination.
Sirajum Monira, who completed the research during her RMIT PhD studies, added that the approach remained highly effective in realistic wastewater conditions.
“Organic matter and fats, oils and grease, which are typically considered barriers to treatment, did not reduce performance,” she stated.
“In some cases, they improved it by helping microplastics clump into larger, more easily removed particles when combined with standard coagulants.
“By capturing the microplastics before they become concentrated in sewage sludge, we can reduce the amount entering biosolids and ultimately minimize their release back into the environment.”
With the dual-bubble approach successfully demonstrated at a laboratory scale, the team are now keen to collaborate with industry partners to validate this approach under real operating conditions and for a variety of wastewater streams.
This article has been republished from the following materials. Material may have been edited for length and house style. For further information, please contact the cited source. Our press release publishing policy can be accessed here.
The post Double bubble: micro- and nanobubbles boost microplastic removal from wastewater appeared first on BioTechniques.
Powered by WPeMatico