Advanced Treatment of Polystyrene Microplastics Using SATOORNIK Gen-I Filtration Technology

By: Dr. Eng. Mitra Nikpay

Funded by SATOORNIK

© [6.12.2024] Dr. Mitra Nikpay and SATOORNIK. All rights reserved. No part of this report may be reproduced, distributed, or used without proper authorization.

INTRODUCTION

Polystyrene (PS) is a flexible thermoplastic polymer extensively utilized across diverse industries due to its lightweight nature, transparency, and exceptional insulating properties. In 2022, the global production capacity of polystyrene reached 15.44 million metric tons, with projections indicating a slight increase to 16.75 million metric tons by 2026. The global market value of polystyrene pegged at USD 9.48 billion in 2023, is expected to grow at a modest compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 0.7%, reaching USD 10.41 billion by 2032. Asia-Pacific dominates this market, accounting for nearly half of the global share in 2023, while the United States is poised for significant growth owing to its robust demand from the building, construction, and packaging industries.

Polystyrene's diverse applications range from packaging delicate goods like food and electronics to providing insulation in construction projects. Its adaptability to various forms and its cost-efficiency enhances its widespread appeal. Furthermore, advancements in recycling technologies are mitigating environmental concerns, with initiatives in regions like Europe and the U.S. converting polystyrene waste into reusable raw materials. While its bulky nature poses challenges in waste management, innovations are reshaping its environmental impact. The development of micro- and nano-sized polystyrene for specialized applications in pharmaceuticals and electronics reflects its evolving role in modern industry, underscoring the material's adaptability to technological and ecological advancements.

In aquatic ecosystems, marine organisms can ingest PS microplastics, potentially entering the food chain and impacting both aquatic life and human health. These particles are particularly concerning due to their persistence in the environment and ability to transport harmful chemicals, posing risks to biodiversity and ecosystem stability. Similarly, in soil environments, PS waste can affect plant life, reduce soil quality, and impact the overall health of ecosystems. Additionally, airborne PS particles, resulting from the degradation of larger plastic waste, contribute to air pollution and can lead to respiratory health risks in humans and animals.

The potential health effects of PS pollution are an emerging area of concern. Studies have suggested that exposure to PS microplastics may cause oxidative stress, inflammation, and cellular damage, which could lead to long-term health consequences. These microplastics can be ingested or inhaled, making them a potential risk for both wildlife and humans. As PS pollution increases globally, understanding its environmental and health impacts has become a priority for researchers and policymakers alike [1,2].

In response to these findings, this report emphasizes the urgent need for innovative solutions to address PS pollution. SATOORNIK Gen-I, an advanced filtration technology, has been tested using highly polluted water containing PS to tackle this issue. The results demonstrate the device's effective operation and its high efficiency in mitigating PS pollution, making it a valuable solution for both industrial and urban applications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

PS Particles:

Three distinct tests were conducted using different PS particle samples. Test 1 (T1) and Test 2 (T2) utilized fluorescent-coated PS particles purchased from a commercial supplier, while Test 3 (T3) used microplastics derived from PS packaging materials. The quantities of PS particles used in each test are summarized in Table 1.

Tabe 1. Samples properties used in the tests

Figure 1 displays microscopic images of PS materials used in the tests. Figure 1a shows industrial PS particles utilized in Tests 1 and 2, while Figure 1b illustrates packaging-derived PS microplastics used in Test 3. The two distinct types of PS particles were evaluated using separate methodologies tailored to their unique characteristics.

The size distribution of the PS particles for industrial samples (T1 and T2) and packaging-derived microplastics (T3) is shown in Figures 2 and 3. The mean particle size was 70 µm for T1 and T2, and 130 µm for T3. The densities of the PS particles were 1.05 g/cm³ for industrial samples and 0.95 g/cm³ for packaging-derived microplastics, which were used to calculate mass and volume properties. Each test was conducted with 500 mL of tap water mixed with the respective PS 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 PS materials used in testing. (a) Industrial PS particles used in Tests 1 and 2. (b) Packaging-derived PS microplastics analyzed in Test 3.

Figure 2 Graph of particle size distribution for samples used in T1 and T2 tests

Figure 3 Graph of particle size distribution for samples used in T3 test

Results

The filtration efficiency of SATOORNIK Gen-I was evaluated by measuring particle concentrations before and after filtration. The high-efficiency percentage mean of 99.84% 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 4. 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 99.7% across all tests. Additionally, the concentration of PS particles in treated water decreased significantly, approaching negligible levels in all cases. This demonstrates the system's robust performance in reducing PS microplastic pollution, regardless of the initial concentration or particle type.

Figure 4. Efficiency of SATOORNIK Gen-I across three test samples. The graph demonstrates the consistent performance of the filtration system, with efficiency ranging from 99.84% confirming its effectiveness in removing PS 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 PS pollution in both environmental and industrial contexts. Despite the use of PS particle concentrations far exceeding typical real-world pollution levels, the system consistently achieved outstanding separation efficiencies, averaging 99.84%, and reduced particle concentrations to nearly undetectable levels across all tests. This exceptional performance was maintained under varying particle masses and test conditions, emphasizing the reliability and robustness of the technology.

The full-scale testing provides valuable insights into the practical application of the SATOORNIK Gen-I system in diverse real-world scenarios. As PS microplastics are a significant contributor to pollution and pose challenges in industrial processes, the system's success highlights its potential to address critical environmental and public health concerns.

Moreover, the tests confirmed the system’s capacity for continuous operation without any performance decline, further demonstrating its suitability for long-term use in a variety of settings. In conclusion, the SATOORNIK Gen-I filtration system emerges as a transformative tool for combating PS pollution, paving the way for cleaner water, healthier ecosystems, and a more sustainable future.

REFERENCES

1. Aloi, N., Calarco, A., Curcuruto, G., Di Natale, M., Augello, G., Carroccio, S.C., Cerruti, P., Cervello, M., Cuttitta, A., Colombo, P. and Longo, V., 2024. Photoaging of polystyrene-based microplastics amplifies inflammatory response in macrophages. Chemosphere, 364, p.143131.

2. Chen, Y.C., Chen, K.F., Lin, K.Y.A., Chen, J.K., Jiang, X.Y. and Lin, C.H., 2022. The nephrotoxic potential of polystyrene microplastics at realistic environmental concentrations. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 427, p.127871.