A new approach for the agglomeration and subsequent removal of polyethylene, polypropylene, and mixtures of both from freshwater systems – a case study

Herbort, Adrian Frank; Sturm, M.; Schuhen, Katrin

doi:10.1007/s11356-018-1981-7

Cited by 53 publications

(30 citation statements)

References 45 publications

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“…Some of the technologies applied to wastewater have possibilities to be extended to other freshwater systems, such as the pH-induced agglomeration and subsequent removal of particles from water. 83 This two-step-based process includes first a localization and second an aggregation of MP particles (250–350 μM) in a physicochemical process. This process is based on the strong increase in the particle size independent of pH of the aquatic milieu induced by the addition of trichlorosilane-substituted Si derivatives.…”

Section: Remediation Strategiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Analysis and Prevention of Microplastics Pollution in Water: Current Perspectives and Future Directions

2019

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The analysis, prevention, and removal of microplastics (MPs) pollution in water is identified as one major problem the world is currently facing. MPs can be directly released to water or formed by the degradation of bigger plastics. Nowadays, it is estimated that annually between 4 and 12 million tonnes of plastic go into the seas and oceans—with a forecast for them to outweigh the amount of fish in 2050. Based on the existing studies, the characterization of MPs in waters is still one of the remaining challenges because they can be easily confused with organic or other types of matter. Consequently, there is an urgent necessity to establish pathways for the chemical identification of the MP nature. In this perspective, the recent techniques and instrumentation for MP characterization (Raman and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopies and microscopies, pyrolysis and thermal desorption gas chromatography, imaging techniques, etc.) are discussed including considerations to the multidimensionality of the problem. This perspective also summarizes and provides updated data on the sources and occurrence, transport and fate of MPs in aquatic ecosystems, as well as influencing conditions and factors affecting dispersal. Additionally, how engineering and biotechnological tools, such as advanced water treatments, would help to control, reduce, or even eliminate MP pollution in the near future is outlined.

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Section: Remediation Strategiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Analysis and Prevention of Microplastics Pollution in Water: Current Perspectives and Future Directions

2019

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“…In the process developed by Herbort and Schuhen, silane-based microplastic agglomerates are formed according to the cloud point principle through the application of special organosilane-based precursors, which, via Van der Waals forces, have a high affinity to unreactive microplastics (IOCS, inert organicchemical macromolecules) and, at the same time, a high reactivity in water. [32][33][34][35]. A Video shows the fixation process in a batch reactor for use in wastewater treatment [36].…”

Section: Ecological-chemical Approach To the Reduction Of The Microplmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…More polar polymers containing, e.g., heteroatoms, like polyester or polyamide, can be fixed by using organic groups with a similar chemical structure and polarity. The interaction of the disposal groups and organic basis units must be so coordinated that the highest possible affinity to microplastics and optimal reaction kinetics are achieved [33]. The reaction kinetics takes on a decisive function within the research approach.…”

Section: Ecological-chemical Approach To the Reduction Of The Microplmentioning

confidence: 99%

Technological Approaches for the Reduction of Microplastic Pollution in Seawater Desalination Plants and for Sea Salt Extraction

Schuhen¹,

Sturm²,

Herbort³

2019

Plastics in the Environment

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An increasingly serious and widespread problem is the introduction of plastics into the water cycle. The poor degradability leads to the plastic waste remaining in water for a long time and over time it fragments into smaller and smaller plastic particles. Both the visible plastic parts and in particular their decomposition products and functionalized plastic particles are an enormous burden. Seawater desalination and sea salt extraction are highly dependent on the quality of the seawater in terms of process utilization and cost structures, i.e., on the level of pollution. Especially microparticles represent a significant potential for blocking the microfiltration membranes (pore size > 100 nm) in the pretreatment and the very costly reverse osmosis (RO) membranes (pore size > 5 nm). An innovative approach for the removal of microplastics from industrially used seawater combines a chemically induced agglomeration and a new technological implementation step. The particular challenge in removing the synthetic impurities is not only their small size but also their inert properties against most of the physical and chemical additives for flocculation. With an easy implementation to existing systems, an economic aspect and a strong impact on the maritime ecological balance will be expected.

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“…Deposition of a large quantity of plastic particles to surface waters can cause significant damage to the aquatic environment and organisms [21][22][23][24]. Recent studies of microplastics removal have focused on agglomerate formation [22,25] or activated sludge [26]. Biochar and activated biochar also have the potential to retain microplastics.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Low-Cost Biochar Adsorbents for Water Purification Including Microplastics Removal

et al. 2020

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The applicability of steam activated pine and spruce bark biochar for storm water and wastewater purification has been investigated. Biochar samples produced from the bark of scots pine (Pinus sylvestrus) and spruce (Picea spp.) by conventional slow pyrolysis at 475 °C were steam activated at 800 °C. Steam activation was selected as a relatively inexpensive method for creating porous biochar adsorbents from the bark-containing sidestreams of the wood refining industry. A suite of standard analytical procedures were carried out to quantify the performance of the activated biochar in removing both cations and residual organics from aqueous media. Phenol and microplastics retention and cation exchange capacity were employed as key test parameters. Despite relatively low surface areas (200–600 m2/g), the steam-activated biochars were highly suitable adsorbents for the chemical species tested as well as for microplastics removal. The results indicate that ultra-high porosities are not necessary for satisfactory water purification, supporting the economic feasibility of bio-based adsorbent production.

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A new approach for the agglomeration and subsequent removal of polyethylene, polypropylene, and mixtures of both from freshwater systems – a case study

Cited by 53 publications

References 45 publications

Analysis and Prevention of Microplastics Pollution in Water: Current Perspectives and Future Directions

Analysis and Prevention of Microplastics Pollution in Water: Current Perspectives and Future Directions

Technological Approaches for the Reduction of Microplastic Pollution in Seawater Desalination Plants and for Sea Salt Extraction

Low-Cost Biochar Adsorbents for Water Purification Including Microplastics Removal

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