NSSN industry partner PEGRAS creates system to remove microplastics from laundry wastewater
Microfibres are minuscule synthetic particles shed from textiles, clothes, tyres, shoes and a range of industrial processes.
These microplastics are an environmental pollutant which eventually end up in oceans, rivers and even drinking water sources, posing risks to marine life and human health.
In a landmark development for environmental technology, PEGRAS, a pioneering company in ecological solutions, has developed the world's first scalable microfibre removal system from industrial laundry wastewater.
“This breakthrough represents a significant advancement in combating water pollution and preserving aquatic ecosystems,” PEGRAS Managing Consultant, Dr Stephanus Peters says.
“This cutting-edge system, engineered to efficiently remove harmful microfibres from water flows, utilises an evolutionary binding agent and a distinctive in-line and continuous extraction process.
“This innovative approach significantly enhances the effectiveness of existing filtration systems, offering a practical solution to a global problem.”
PEGRAS's microfibre removal system is the result of extensive research and development which was given an early boost thanks to the NSW Smart Sensing Network’s introduction of PEGRAS to the Key Centre for Colloids and Polymers at The University of Sydney in 2021.
“This breakthrough is an excellent example of the impact that be achieved through collaboration between industry, government and industry. This is where the NSSN adds real value,” NSW Smart Sensing Network Chief Operating Officer, Nick Haskins, says.
The NSSN has been proud to partner with PEGRAS over the last 5 years, co-designing solutions to industry challenges, matchmaking with world-class university researchers and brokering government funding.”
The initial collaborative project used FT-IR spectroscopy and imaging techniques such as optical microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy.
Pivotal project funding was secured through the NSW Government Small Business Innovation & Research (SBIR) Program.
Dr Peters says a standout feature of PEGRAS's system is its scalability.
“Engineered for easy integration into current water treatment infrastructures, it can be tailored to various scales, from small community facilities to large metropolitan treatment plants,” Dr Peters says.
“This versatility ensures that the system can be deployed worldwide, addressing diverse environmental conditions and needs.”
Environmental and health impacts
The introduction of this system by PEGRAS marks a major stride in environmental protection.
By efficiently removing microfibres from water bodies, it safeguards aquatic ecosystems and species that are often harmed by ingesting these pollutants.
Moreover, it contributes to public health by enhancing the purity of drinking water, mitigating the risks associated with microfibre contamination.
PEGRAS has not only achieved an environmental breakthrough but also ensured the economic feasibility of its system.
By augmenting existing water treatment setups, the need for expensive overhauls is eliminated.
The system's low operational and maintenance costs further enhance its attractiveness to both public and private sector entities.
Paving the way for a cleaner future
PEGRAS's microfibre removal system is more than a technological achievement; it symbolises a commitment to a cleaner, safer environment.
In an era where ecological challenges are ever-present, this innovation offers a practical and hopeful path forward, merging scientific excellence with real-world application.
PEGRAS is now exploring ways to not only remove but also recycle the extracted microfibres.
“As global awareness of environmental stewardship grows, PEGRAS's system stands as a testament to the power of human innovation in safeguarding our planet's most vital resource,” Dr Peters says.
For additional details on this pioneering technology and its implementation, please contact PEGRAS: innovations@pegras.com or NSSN Industrial Futures Theme Leader Sam Ashby.
This article first appeared on the Pegras website.