‘Overview of the main results and their exploitation and dissemination: -
As an outcome of our work the main results obtained are as follows: -
(1)Result: Microplastics (in particular, microfibers leached from face masks) could be well detected using a pyrene based fluorescent dye. The detection was enabled using a pocket photometer. Based on thorough characterization and validation studies (using portable photometer, benchtop spectrofluorometer, FTIR and fluorescence microscope), it was noted that the dye could bind microplastics based on their polymeric nature and shape.
Dissemination- Water samples were collected from different coastal areas (Whitby, Scarborough, Saltburn, Robin Hood's Bay, Sandsend) and freshwater areas (River Aire, Leeds, Wharfadale, Windermere, Loch Ness-Scotland). The samples were analysed using the detection technique developed in the lab. We could identify microplastics (up to 14 microfibers/mL) in samples collected from River Aire (Leeds) Scarborough, Saltburn, Robin Hood's Bay, Sandsend).
(2) Result: A polyelectrolyte complex was formulated for the removal of the microplastics. The polyelectrolyte complex comprised of chitosan (a positively charged biopolymer) and xanthan gum (a negatively charged biopolymer) in the molar ratio 1:1. We initially employed three variants of chitosan and their molecular weights were determined to be 1.66±0.87x105 Da (4.1 CPS), 2.59±0.00x105 Da (6.4 CPS) and 3.29±0.06x105 Da (10.7 CPS) respectively. We noted that the chitosan variant with maximum value of molecular weight exhibited the higher microplastic removal efficiency. The corresponding values of microplastic removal efficiencies were noted to be 72.5%, 76.1% and 64.7% respectively.
Dissemination: We could finally formulate and assess the quality of polyelectrolyte complex developed by us and compare the efficiency of the bioflocculant with that of commercial flocculants (polyaluminium chloride and polyacrylamide). We found that, the developed polyelectrolyte complex exhibited upto 76% microfiber removal. However, the commercial flocculants could remove upto 60% microfibers. As a part of dissemination, manuscripts are in progress
As a step towards initiating collaboration with Industry, we have established a connectivity with Biopower Technology, Tring to pursue hydrodynamic cavitation as a technology to enhance the properties of the biopolymers chitosan and xanthan gum for enhancement of flocculation. Further, we have established a collaboration with StudioOsmose UK to upcycle the microplastic laden sludge material into zero-carbon products.
Dissemination activities such as conference talks is scheduled in 2024 (after completion of publishing the manuscripts)’
