Microplastics
Sustainable use of plastics requires a solution to the 鈥榩lastic soup鈥� pollution problem. 鈥楳icroplastics鈥� (MP) refer to tiny solid, water-insoluble and persistent plastic particles up to 5 mm and down to a micron in size. Due to their small size, widespread occurrence and persistence in the environment, there has been an increasing concern about the impact of MP on organisms including plant life, and ultimately humans. Wastewater streams (e.g. from laundry washing) are focal points for removal of MP before they are discharged into surface water.
We are designing and developing a technically, environmentally and economically sustainable method and device for MP removal from wastewater streams using acoustics. The key methodologies include acoustic focusing, acoustic agglomeration, pattern configuration. By the end of this project, we will
- Demonstrate a working prototype
- Establish a recycle strategy for the collected MP waste