A research team from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT), Australia, has introduced a significant breakthrough in efforts to tackle global microplastic pollution. They have developed an innovative method based on "dual-bubble" technology, proven to eliminate over 90% of microplastic particles from wastewater.
This technique synergistically integrates the use of microbubbles and nanobubbles. Microbubbles create buoyancy that lifts microplastic particles and other pollutants to the surface, while nanobubbles play a crucial role in enhancing particle adhesion and aggregation. This combination dramatically improves the efficiency of the Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF) process traditionally used in wastewater treatment plants.
The main advantage of this method lies in its ease of implementation. The technology can be integrated into existing wastewater treatment systems simply by optimizing operational parameters such as air pressure and saturation time, eliminating the need for major infrastructure overhauls or significant capital investment.
Associate Professor Biplob Pramanik, lead researcher, emphasized that current wastewater treatment plants often act as pathways for microplastics into the environment because these particles can escape conventional filtration systems. Capturing microplastics during the early treatment stage is considered a crucial solution to minimize human health risks and preserve aquatic ecosystems.
Currently, the RMIT research team is working to establish industry partnerships to advance these findings to large-scale verification and field trials, ensuring the system's effectiveness under real operational conditions.
