Microplastics are a prevalent issue in every ocean and most freshwater systems and pose health complications for all studied organisms to date. Most collection solutions are only available on a large scale and for saltwater systems. Technology for freshwater extraction does exist but is focused on potable water rather than ecosystems. This project aimed to create a small freshwater microplastic separation system utilizing existing technology that would not disrupt the ecosystem. After evaluating ten existing microplastic separation technologies, electrostatic separation was selected because it is economically viable, environmentally neutral, and easily scaled to fit our application. We iteratively designed four modular subsystems of a belt operated electrostatic separator system and performed technical analysis to optimize operations.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Rosner, Aaron
• Richardson, Alyssa
• Mudge, Mitchell
• Perfetto, Kelly

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• 66826
• E-project-050122-223236

Advisor

• Wodin-Schwartz, Sarah Jane

Year

• 2022

UN Sustainable Development Goals

• 6 - Clean Water and Sanitation
• 9 - Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
• 13 - Climate Action

Date created

• 2022-05-01

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Mechanical Engineering

Rights statement

• In Copyright