Filter for collecting microplastics
The invention is specifically aimed at fluid filtration device and system using the combined action of mechanical filtration, by mesh particulate retention, and chemical filtration, by adsorption of microplastic particulate on iron oxide, particularly magnetite. Magnetite is chosen because of its non-toxicity, low cost, and high supply since it is found as one of the steel industry's waste. Our device is intended for in-line application at the outlet of a washing machine, residential or commercial, in-line with (or in place of) a siphon. It is adaptable to use in sewage system outlets, in addition to filtering and cleaning systems in basic sanitation networks, as an aid to cleaning effluents contaminated with particulate matter. The application is designed considering that 85% of microplastic in the oceans is due to textile microfibers. Our device is capable of retaining microplastics in the range of 5 µm to 100 µm.
- Problema que resuelve su propuesta
- Everyone and everything today are affected by microplastics. Fishes get it stuck to their gill, corals got it stuck in their mesh leading to their death, and they get inserted into the food chain: fishes, wale, seagulls, and even humans. The current scenario has a considerable impact on the microplastic volume being disposed into the ocean. Researches associate an increase in microplastics's releasing into oceans due to the excessive bad disposal of facial masks, especially surgical ones. Besides, there are also researches associated with an increase in air transmission of COVID-2019 through the inhalation of contaminated microplastics. The presence of microplastics in the oceans should be faced not just as cleaning what is already there, but also as reducing considerably their emission, finally breaking this endless cycle.
- ¿Qué impacto positivo tiene o tendría su propuesta en su comunidad? Cuáles son las mejoras concretas ambientales o sociales
- It is a cheap solution, with an easy usage. It does not require any modification on the products, laundry machines, siphons and etc that are already in use today, since it can be easily adapted to in-line use. The project is also scalable, with the possibility to be adapted to larger applications, such as the sewage networks.
- ¿Por qué te interesa involucrarte con problemáticas que afectan al ambiente y/o a los océanos?
- I believe that everyone should care. More than that, I believe that instead of asking why is one person taking part in it, we should be asking why is the other person being absent. It is not a small problem... it is huge and it has being neglected and badly faced for individuals and (especially) rulers. If people do not want to take part in environment matters for the lives of others, they should minimally be aware of the risks for their own. By spreading an idea, a project that brings light to this matter, we can at least insert an "what if?" that was not there before.
- Principal ODS con el que se vincula tu propuesta
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
Galería de imagenes
¿Crees que esta idea es
positiva para el mundo?
Apoyar idea
Entrega tu apoyo a "Filter for collecting microplastics"
¿Crees que esta idea es
positiva para el mundo?
Apoyar idea
Entrega tu apoyo a "Filter for collecting microplastics"
Colabora
Regístrate o ingresa para ayudar a Larissa Maciel a mejorar su propuesta.
Regístrate o ingresa para comentar esta propuesta
Regístrate o ingresa para reportar este comentario