MinusMicro · Biopolymer Assisted Remediation of Microplastics from Fresh and Saline Water Environments using an Integrated Technology of Coagulation-Ultrasonication/Cavitation

Biopolymer Assisted Remediation of Microplastics from Fresh and Saline Water Environments using an Integrated Technology of Coagulation-Ultrasonication/Cavitation

Problem Statement: An extensive use of protective face coverings is an outcome of SARS-CoV-2, a type of coronavirus which is transmitted largely by the respiratory route and has recently led to COVID-19 pandemic. An additional pressure on the waste management systems has led to inappropriate management practices such as direct landfills and local burnings. However, an uncontrolled management of even 1% of face masks could correspond to 10 million pieces leading to generating 30-40 tons of waste. Moreover, COVID-19–related plastic has been observed in marine environments, forming a potential new source of oceanic microplastics. A detailed analyses performed by researchers from the University of Portsmouth, UK showed a constant increase in the proportion of face mask as compared to wipes and gloves during the period May 2020 to October 2020. The data on the proportionality to the total litter (%) generated for a period between March 2020 to October 2020 for countries namely showed a consistent increase in the proportion of face masks to the total litter collected (%) in UK as compared to countries such as France, Spain, Germany, Canada and Belgium. There is a considerable amount of scientific evidence on the microplastic (microfibers in particular) leaching from face masks. Disposable face masks (DFMs) have a direct correlation with increasing the burden of plastic wastes. Being made of non-woven material, DFMs are composed of synthetic polymer materials such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP),polyurethane (PU), polyacrylonitrile (PAN), polystyrene (PS), polycarbonate (PC), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Microfibers released as a result of processes such as shearing, weathering and leaching from these synthetic textile materials have been recognized as an emerging pollutant and currently receiving global attention owing to their widespread nature and potential adverse impacts. The significant release of microfibers from synthetic non-woven materials. Importance to society: The research conducted under the project of Minusmicro could have significant impacts on the society as the work has been done in multidimensional aspects to tackle microplastic pollution. Coagulation technique has been pursued towards the remediation of microplastics from aqueous environment (both freshwater and marinewater). A formulation has been developed using chitosan and xanthan gum as oppositely charged biopolymers. The functional aspects of these biopolymer have been effectively modified to improve the microplastic remediation efficiency. Additionally, the user-friendly fluorescence based strategy developed for microplastic sensing could be very beneficial for microplastic detection under different aqueous environments. As a vital part of the research, a strategy was also developed to upcycle microfiber wastes into macrofungus based biomaterials to be effectively used as packaging materials. This could be helpful to develop alternatives of polystyrene materials. The objectives of the present research are: (1) To characterize microfibers leached from face mask samples and develop a portable sensing technique for its assessment under different aqueous environments (2) Develop and characterize various functionalized forms of chitosan by implementing technologies namely hydrodynamic cavitation and electrospinning (3) Generate a two-way evaluation system for coagulation potential (based on pseudo-wastewater model prepared in laboratory) with suitable monitoring and response parameters (4) Develop suitable collaborations with industry for developing a strategy towards effective upcycling of microplastic laden sludge material

Текст от CORDIS, на английски · Данни: CORDIS, © Европейски съюз