Biocatalytic membranes for micro/nano plastic degradation within waste water effluents

Introduction

The universal use of different types of plastic-based materials as new products to meet the insatiable global demands of the 20th century has had an unprecedented impact on our evolution as a society. Unfortunately, micro- and nano-plastics are now ubiquitous in marine and freshwater environments, as well as terrestrial ecosystems.

Environmental Impact

These micro- and nano-plastics act as a source of highly detrimental toxic chemicals that negatively affect the environment and human health. They interact with terrestrial organisms that mediate ecosystem services and functions, such as:

• Soil-dwelling invertebrates
• Terrestrial fungi
• Plant pollinators

It is our duty as scientists to provide immediate and appropriate solutions to control the fate and reduce the effects of micro/nano-plastics on our planet.

Project Overview

BMRex will develop entirely new concepts for micro/nano-plastic removal from household and industrial wastewater effluents. This will be achieved by validating a novel biocatalyst-based membrane reactor technology to degrade plastic waste, avoiding further damage.

Technology Development

The consortium will:

1. Produce, test, and optimize biocatalytic membrane reactors based on porous inorganic scaffolds.
2. Functionalize these scaffolds with ionic liquid materials modified for:
   • Biofouling resistance
   • Plastic affinity
   • Controlled attachment of plastic-degrading enzymes

Interchangeable enzyme species will permit precise control of stepwise catalytic processes enhanced with artificial cytosis, maximizing activity and stability of the biocatalytic reactions.

Economic and Technological Viability

BMRex will also evaluate the economic and technological viability of this novel technology. With its unique integration of scientific approaches, competences, and resources, BMRex has the potential to open up an entirely new technological field.

Long-term Goals

In the long term, this project aims to enable an in situ, more efficient, and safer recycling of wastewater. This will have transformative effects on a society that is currently in the very early phases of transitioning toward an environmentally sustainable use of plastic.