Work

Polyethylene microbead removal via aeration

Year: 2025

Type: conference-paper

Abstract: Microplastics, specifically polyethylene (PE) particles, contaminate drinking water, posing significant environmental and health risks. Effective removal methods remain elusive. This study investigates the potential of aeration in removing PE from clean water. The experiments were started with configuring the best sedimentation time (3-30 min), A 10-minute sedimentation period was established as optimal for PE particles. The retention time (10-60 min) and air flow rate (100-400 ml/min) were varied, with constant PE concentration. The results demonstrate that 98% PE removal can be achieved using 30 min of aeration at 400 ml/min of airflow. Aeration facilitates removal by producing bubbles that lift and separate PE, enabling easy extraction due to its low density. This study reveals aeration as a promising method for removing PE from water.

Source: Journal of Physics Conference Series

DOI: 10.1088/1742-6596/3003/1/012006

Authors: Irfan Hassan, Sumathi Sethupathi, Abdul Latif Ahmad, Vignesh Ks

Institutions: Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Universiti Sains Malaysia, SRM Institute of Science and Technology

Language: English

Topic: Microplastics and Plastic Pollution

Subfield: Pollution

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Clean water and sanitation, Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4410230916

FWCI: 8.632

Cites: 16

Cited by: 1

Related to: 10