US 2024/0182338 A1 · METHOD, APPARATUS, AND SYSTEM FOR AQUATIC MICROPLASTICS REMOVAL

Abstract

A method, apparatus, and system are provided, utilize a floating treatment wetland designed specifically for the sequestration of microplastic debris (i.e., plastic particles under 5 mm) from active water systems. This process can be achieved through the careful selection of a root structure combined with the development of a robust housing for the wetland pad, so that it may operate effectively in fast current conditions. Existing phytoremediation wetlands are typically deployed in static aquatic environments like reservoirs or lakes, and cannot remain stable in currents beyond speeds of 2 m/s. This currently limits their application in most rivers that typically reach speeds beyond 6 m/s, especially during storm surges. To overcome this, disclosed is a hydrodynamic fiberglass frame to encase and stabilize the floating treatment wetland during storm surges. The design of this frame may be adapted to encourage optimal flow to the underside of the wetland, in order to maximize the amount of water exposed to the wetland's biofilm filter.

Claims28

Dependent claims

A method for removing microplastics from a body of water, comprising:

a. allowing a body of water comprising microplastics to flow past a root network of at least one apparatus coupled to an anchor, each at least one apparatus comprising:
a frame, the frame having a top surface and a bottom surface, the bottom surface of the frame defining at least one anchor point coupled to the anchor, the frame configured to keep at least a portion of the top surface of the frame above a top surface of the body of water;
a root network operably coupled to the frame and extending below the frame, where the root network comprises:
a plurality of roots of long-root plants coupled to a macroporous layer, the macroporous layer comprising an array of holes extending from a top surface to a bottom surface, the macroporous layer being removably attached to the frame;
a plurality of non-root natural fibers coupled to a macroporous layer, the macroporous layer comprising an array of holes extending from a top surface to a bottom surface, the macroporous layer being removably attached to the frame;
a plurality of filters;
or
a combination thereof;
b. allowing the microplastics to be physically entangled by the root network;
and
c. removing the root network from the at least one apparatus.

8 more elements

An apparatus, comprising:

a frame, the frame having a top surface and a bottom surface, the frame defining at least one anchor point, the frame configured to keep at least a portion of the top surface of the frame above water when the device is placed in water;
a root network operably coupled to the frame and extending below the frame, where the root network comprises:
a plurality of roots of long-root plants coupled to a macroporous layer, the macroporous layer comprising an array of holes extending from a top surface to a bottom surface, the macroporous layer being removably attached to the frame;
a plurality of non-root natural fibers coupled to a macroporous layer, the macroporous layer comprising an array of holes extending from a top surface to a bottom surface, the macroporous layer being removably attached to the frame;
a plurality of filters;
or
a combination thereof.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Method, apparatus, and system for aquatic microplastics removal

Life of this patent

Method, apparatus, and system for aquatic microplastics removal

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims28