Advanced Polyester Microplastic Treatment Using SATOORNIK Gen-I Filtration Technology

By: Dr. Eng. Mitra Nikpay

Funded by SATOORNIK UG

© [13.02.2025] Dr. Mitra Nikpay and SATOORNIK UG (haftungsbeschränkt). All rights reserved. No part of this report may be reproduced, distributed, or used without proper authorization.

INTRODUCTION

Microplastic pollution has emerged as a critical environmental challenge, with textile materials being one of the primary contributors. Among synthetic fibers, polyester is widely used in the textile industry due to its affordability, durability, and versatility. However, its non-biodegradable nature and the widespread release of microplastic fibers (MPFs) during washing cycles make it a significant pollutant in aquatic ecosystems.

The primary pathway for polyester MPF pollution is domestic and industrial laundering, where fibers are shed and released into wastewater. Polyester alone accounts for 54% of the total global fiber production within the synthetic category. Studies indicate that a single polyester garment can release up to 52,000 microplastic fibers annually, while a single load of polyester-based laundry can discharge up to 700,000 MPFs. Additionally, recycled polyester (PES) has been found to shed even more MPFs than virgin polyester, raising concerns about its long-term environmental impact despite its reputation as a sustainable alternative.

Microplastics from textiles account for approximately 35% of total microplastics in the ocean, with an estimated 51 trillion particles currently polluting marine environments. These pollutants threaten marine biodiversity and enter the human food chain, posing potential health risks. Furthermore, textile production contributes 20% of global clean water pollution due to dyeing, finishing, and chemical runoff, exacerbating environmental degradation.

Beyond the impact on marine ecosystems, PES microplastics have been detected in soil, air, and even human bodies, emphasizing the pervasive nature of this pollution. Recent studies have found microplastic particles in human lung tissue, bloodstream, and even placentas, raising serious concerns about long-term health effects. As polyester-based textiles dominate the global clothing market, the need for effective filtration and mitigation strategies becomes even more urgent [1,2].

In response to this growing issue, innovative filtration technologies are being developed to capture and prevent the release of MPFs into natural water systems. The SATOORNIK Gen-I filtration technology is one such solution, designed to efficiently remove polyester microplastics from wastewater before they reach open water bodies. By targeting microplastic removal at the source, this system offers a proactive approach to reducing synthetic fiber pollution. The results demonstrate the device's effective operation and its high efficiency in mitigating MPF pollution, making it a valuable solution for both industrial and urban applications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

PES Particles:

Three distinct tests were conducted using different Polyester (PES) particle samples. The Tests utilized PES particles produced from 100% polyester strings purchased from a commercial supplier. The quantities of PES particles used in each test are summarized in Table 1.

Tabe 1. Sample properties used in the tests

Figure 1 displays microscopic images of PES materials used in the tests. Figure 1a shows PES particles utilized in Tests before applying the SATOORNIK Gen I, while Figure 1b the results of the test after applying filtration.

The size distribution of the PES particles applied in tests is shown in Figure 2. The mean particle size was 170 µm. The densities of the PES particles were 1.35 g/cm³, which were used to calculate mass and volume properties. Each test was conducted with 500 mL of tap water mixed with the respective PES particles to create a controlled medium for evaluating filtration efficiency. The water samples were agitated thoroughly to ensure uniform particle distribution before testing.

Figure 1 Microscopic images of PES materials used in testing. (a) Before applying the filter and (b) after applying the filter.

Figure 2 Graph of the particle size distribution for PES samples used in tests

SATOORNIK Gen-I Filtration System:

The SATOORNIK Gen-I is a full-scale filtration unit specifically designed for the continuous separation of microplastics, including PES particles. Engineered for high efficiency, the system is optimized to capture even the smallest particles in water.

For each of the three tests, 500 mL water samples containing PES particles were processed through the SATOORNIK Gen-I system. The system operated continuously throughout the testing, with no washing or maintenance performed between tests. This approach aimed to evaluate the system's performance over multiple cycles, simulating real-world conditions of continuous operation.

Sampling and Analysis:

Samples were collected before and after filtration for each of the three tests. The pre-filtration sample represented the initial condition of the water, while the post-filtration sample represented the water after passing through the filtration unit.

The results were visually confirmed using a microscope. The comparison between the pre- and post-filtration samples allowed for the evaluation of the filtration efficiency in removing the PES particles.

Results

The filtration efficiency of SATOORNIK Gen-I was evaluated by measuring particle concentrations before and after filtration. The high-efficiency percentage mean of 99.01% demonstrates the device's effectiveness in removing two different particles from water (See Table 2).

Table 2: Summary of Filtration Efficiency for SATOORNIK Gen-I Across Tests T1, T2, and T3

The graph of Figure 3. demonstrates the robust filtration performance of the SATOORNIK Gen-I over three sequential high-concentration tests (T1, T2, T3), showcasing its ability to maintain or slightly improve efficiency under continuous operation. The data highlights the high filtration efficiency of the SATOORNIK Gen-I system, exceeding 99.01% across all tests.

Figure 3. Efficiency of SATOORNIK Gen-I across three test samples. The graph demonstrates the consistent performance of the filtration system, with efficiency ranging from 99.01% confirming its effectiveness in removing PES particles across multiple tests.

Conclusion

The findings of this study demonstrate that the SATOORNIK Gen-I filtration system, tested at full-scale operation, is a highly effective solution for mitigating PES microplastic pollution in both environmental and industrial contexts. Despite the use of PES particle concentrations far exceeding typical real-world pollution levels, the system consistently achieved outstanding filtration efficiencies, averaging over 99%, and reduced particle concentrations to near undetectable levels across all tests. This exceptional performance was maintained under varying particle masses and test conditions, underscoring the reliability and robustness of the technology.

The full-scale testing offers valuable insights into the practical application of the SATOORNIK Gen-I system for addressing PES pollution, a growing concern in both industrial waste streams and environmental contamination. As PES microplastics present significant challenges to wastewater treatment facilities and ecosystems, the system's success highlights its potential to combat critical environmental and public health issues.

Furthermore, the tests confirmed the system’s ability to operate continuously without any decline in performance, emphasizing its suitability for long-term, uninterrupted use in a variety of real-world settings. In conclusion, the SATOORNIK Gen-I filtration system emerges as a transformative solution for tackling PES microplastic pollution, contributing to cleaner water, healthier ecosystems, and a more sustainable future.

REFERENCES

1. Akyildiz, S.H., Fiore, S., Bruno, M., Sezgin, H., Yalcin-Enis, I., Yalcin, B. and Bellopede, R., 2024. Release of microplastic fibers from synthetic textiles during household washing. Environmental Pollution, 357, p.124455.

2. United Nations Regional Information Centre for Western Europe (UNRIC), 2024. 'From petroleum to pollution: the cost of polyester'. UNRIC. Available at: https://unric.org/en/from-petroleum-to-pollution-the-cost-of-polyester/ [Accessed 13 Feb. 2025].

3.Nikpay, M. and Toorchi Roodsari, S., 2024. Crafting a Scientific Framework to Mitigate Microplastic Impact on Ecosystems. Microplastics, 3(1), pp.165-183.