Advanced Treatment of Polyethylene Microplastics Using SATOORNIK Gen-I

By: Dr.-Ing. Mitra Nikpay

Funded by SATOORNIK UG

© [13.03.2025] Dr. Mitra Nikpay and SATOORNIK UG. All rights reserved. No part of this report may be reproduced, distributed, or used without proper authorization.

INTRODUCTION

Microplastics (MPs), defined as plastic particles smaller than 5 mm, have emerged as a significant environmental pollutant, contaminating terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecosystems. Among these, polyethylene (PE) microplastics are one of the most common due to their widespread use in plastic production, packaging, and consumer goods. PE exists in two primary forms: low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE), both of which have been found to persist in various environmental compartments. Their accumulation in soil, water, and wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) raises concerns regarding their long-term ecological impact and potential risks to human health [1].

Studies have shown that PE-MPs can alter soil properties by affecting pH, electrical conductivity, bulk density, and microbial communities. Their presence in agricultural systems has also been linked to reductions in plant growth, chlorophyll content, and soil microbial activity. Moreover, in aquatic environments, PE-MPs interact with microbial biofilms, disrupt nutrient cycling, and influence the efficiency of biological nitrogen removal processes. Research indicates that high concentrations of PE can inhibit nitrification and denitrification in WWTPs, leading to reduced nitrogen removal efficiency. These microplastics also serve as carriers for heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants, further exacerbating their environmental impact [2,3].

Beyond environmental concerns, PE-MPs pose potential risks to human health. These particles have been detected in drinking water, seafood, and even airborne dust, increasing the likelihood of human ingestion and inhalation. Once inside the body, PE-MPs may accumulate in the gastrointestinal tract, disrupting the gut microbiome and triggering inflammatory responses. Research suggests that microplastics can interact with metabolic pathways, potentially contributing to health issues such as gastrointestinal disorders, systemic inflammation, and neurotoxicity through the gut-brain axis. Additionally, PE-MPs have been found to adsorb harmful pollutants, including persistent organic pollutants and heavy metals, further compounding their toxicity when ingested [4,5].

Given the widespread presence of PE-MPs and their associated risks, addressing their contamination in water systems has become a critical priority. 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 PE microplastics from wastewater before they reach open water bodies. This system offers a proactive approach to reducing PE pollution by targeting microplastic removal at the source. The results demonstrate the device's effective operation and high efficiency in mitigating PE pollution, making it a valuable solution for industrial and urban applications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

PE Particles:

Three distinct tests were conducted using different PE particle samples. The Tests utilized PE particles produced from 100% High- and Low-Density PE pure materials, purchased from a commercial supplier. The quantities of PE particles used in each test are summarized in Table 1.

Table 1 Sample properties used in the tests

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

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

The size distribution of the PE particles applied in tests is shown in Figure 2. The mean particle size was 170 µm and the lowest size measured 18 µm. The densities of the PE particles, as a mean of HD and LD types, were 0.95 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 PE particles to create a controlled medium for evaluating filtration efficiency. The water samples were agitated thoroughly to ensure uniform particle distribution before testing.

Figure 2 Graph of particle size distribution for PE 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 PE 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 PE 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 PE 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 99.76% 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 100 % 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 99.61 %to 100 %, confirming its effectiveness in removing PE 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 PE microplastic pollution in both environmental and industrial contexts. Despite the use of PE particle concentrations far exceeding typical real-world pollution levels, the system consistently achieved outstanding filtration efficiencies, averaging over 99.76 %, 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 PE pollution, a growing concern in both industrial waste streams and environmental contamination. As PE 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 addressing PE microplastic pollution, contributing to cleaner water, healthier ecosystems, and a more sustainable future.

REFERENCES

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2. Wu, T., Ding, J., Wang, S., Pang, J.W., Sun, H.J., Zhong, L., Ren, N.Q. and Yang, S.S., 2024. Insight into effect of polyethylene microplastic on nitrogen removal in moving bed biofilm reactor: Focusing on microbial community and species interactions. Science of The Total Environment, 932, p.173033.

3. Aminiyan, Milad Mirzaei, Mahdi Shorafa, and Ahmad Ali Pourbabaee. "Mitigating the detrimental impacts of low-and high-density polyethylene microplastics using a novel microbial consortium on a soil-plant system: Insights and interactions." Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety 283 (2024): 116805.

4. Bora, S.S., Gogoi, R., Sharma, M.R., Anshu, Borah, M.P., Deka, P., Bora, J., Naorem, R.S., Das, J. and Teli, A.B., 2024. Microplastics and human health: unveiling the gut microbiome disruption and chronic disease risks. Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology, 14, p.1492759.

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