Removal Of Microplastics From Water Streams Using Membrane Technology

The removal of microplastics from drinking, process or wastewater streams is a major step towards the reduction of microplastic pollution found in the environment. The use of plastic microbeads in cosmetics and personal care products has already been banned in the UK and many other countries. However microplastic pollution is still being generated by the waste plastics already in the environment which are aging and self-abrading on a very wide scale. As a result, most water sources now contain background but rising levels of microplastic contamination, which can ultimately feed back into in the human food chain.

Crossflow Membrane Technology (CMT), renowned for its success in the removal of bacteria, pesticides, suspended solids and colour from wastewater, is now a practical solution in the fight against the microplastic pollution found in most wastewater streams. CMT works as a physical barrier against microplastics where the particulates cannot pass through the membrane on the basis of particle size, allowing only crystal clear commercially sterile, particle free water to be discharged. All the microplastic particulates and other separated impurities are safely retained in a low volume controllable form ready for further treatment.

Axium Process specialises in Crossflow Membrane Technology and is working with companies wishing to evaluate the benefits of membrane filtration as a treatment for wastewater and removal of microplastics. The company’s expertise is in the design, build and commissioning of customised membrane filtration plants that can provide cost effective solutions in terms of reduced water and energy costs, recovery of chemicals, reduced effluent volumes and disposal costs.

Axium Process also maintains a comprehensive range of mobile membrane filtration pilot plants and in-house laboratory services which are offered as a research facility for companies wishing to develop and optimise their processes.