Description:DESCRIPTION:
Field of the invention:
[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to the technical field of liquid purification techniques, and in specific, relates to a micro-plastic filtration device for removing micro-plastic particles from a contaminated liquid through a combination of coagulation, adsorption, and sedimentation processes.
Background of the invention:
[0002] In recent years, micro-plastic pollution has emerged as a significant global environmental and public health concern. Micro-plastics, defined as plastic particles less than 5 mm in size, are pervasive in various ecosystems, including freshwater, marine environments, soil, and even air. More alarmingly, they have been detected in drinking water sources, posing direct risks to human health through ingestion. These particles originate from multiple sources, including the breakdown of larger plastic debris, microbeads from personal care products, and synthetic fibers from laundry effluents.
[0003] The presence of micro-plastics in drinking water not only compromises water quality but also presents potentially hazardous health effects, including inflammation, oxidative stress, and possible bioaccumulation in vital organs. Traditional water purification methods, such as membrane filtration, activated carbon adsorption, and advanced oxidation processes, have been evaluated for micro-plastic removal. However, many of these systems suffer from limitations, including high operational costs, energy dependency, membrane fouling, and variable removal efficiency for micro-plastic particles of different sizes and densities.
[0004] In the field of phytoremediation, vetiver grass (Chrysopogon zizanioides) has gained attention due to its robust root system and strong ability to adsorb various contaminants from soil and water. Separately, alum (aluminum sulfate) has been long used as a conventional coagulating agent in water treatment processes for removing suspended solids, organic matter, and turbidity through flocculation and sedimentation.
[0005] Although both vetiver grass and alum have shown promising individual roles in water purification, no prior art or established filtration systems have been reported that leverage the synergistic effects of vetiver roots and alum for the specific purpose of removing micro-plastic contaminants from water. Furthermore, most micro-plastic removal techniques studied previously do not address the practical challenges of cost, scalability, ease of operation, and environmental sustainability. Given the above challenges, there exists a significant need for a low-cost, eco-friendly, and effective filtration method that can be deployed both at household and industrial levels to remove micro-plastics from drinking water sources.
[0006] Therefore, there is a need for a micro-plastic filtration device that combines the coagulation properties of alum with the adsorptive and entrapment characteristics of vetiver roots, enabling efficient micro-plastic removal through simple, ambient-condition filtration without requiring electrical energy. There is also a need for a micro-plastic filtration device that enhances the removal efficiency of micro-plastics compared to conventional methods and individual component usage. Further, there is also a need for a micro-plastic filtration device that is scalable and adaptable for deployment across both household and industrial water treatment applications.
Objectives of the invention:
[0007] The primary objective of the invention is to provide a micro-plastic filtration device for removing micro-plastic particles from a contaminated liquid through a combination of coagulation, adsorption, and sedimentation processes.
[0008] Another objective of the invention is to provide a micro-plastic filtration device that achieves superior filtration efficiency through the synergistic action of vetiver roots and alum.
[0009] The other objective of the invention is to provide a micro-plastic filtration device that is cost-effective when compared to conventional and advanced filtration technologies.
[0010] Yet another objective of the invention is to provide a micro-plastic filtration device that is eco-friendly, sustainable, and free from toxic by-products, making it safe for long-term use and environmental integration.
[0011] Further objective of the invention is to provide a micro-plastic filtration device that is scalable and adaptable for deployment across both household and industrial water treatment applications.
Summary of the invention:
[0012] The present disclosure proposes a micro-plastic filtration device for liquid purification and method of operation. The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the claimed subject matter. This summary is not an extensive overview. It is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope of the claimed subject matter. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
[0013] In order to overcome the above deficiencies of the prior art, the present disclosure is to solve the technical problem to provide a micro-plastic filtration device for removing micro-plastic particles from a contamination liquid, for example, water through a combination of coagulation, adsorption, and sedimentation processes.
[0014] According to an aspect, the invention provides a micro-plastic filtration device for liquid purification. In one embodiment herein, the micro-plastic filtration device comprises a housing having plurality of chambers for filtering a micro-plastic-based contaminated liquid, for example, water. The plurality of chambers comprises a collection chamber, a processing chamber, a post-filtration chamber, and a flow regulation unit.
[0015] In one embodiment herein, the collection chamber is configured to receive and store the micro-plastic-based contaminated liquid, which includes, but not limited to, polyethylene and synthetic polymer-based particulates. In one embodiment herein, the processing chamber is fluidly connected to the collection chamber. The processing chamber is configured to suspend micro-plastic particles from the micro-plastic-based contaminated liquid. The processing chamber comprises a first filtration layer and a second filtration layer.
[0016] In one embodiment herein, the first filtration layer is positioned at a top portion of the processing chamber. The first filtration layer is configured to coagulate the micro-plastic particles from the micro-plastic-based contaminated liquid. The first filtration layer is an alum. The first filtration layer is adjusted between 10 to 30 mg/L for the micro-plastic-based contaminated liquid containing at least 369 particles/L. The first filtration layer is adjusted between 4 to 5 mg/L for naturally contaminated tap water.
[0017] In one embodiment herein, the second filtration layer is positioned at a bottom portion of the processing chamber. The second filtration layer is configured to absorb and trap coagulated micro-plastic particles through bio-filtration and mechanical retention, thereby obtaining a filtered liquid.
[0018] The second filtration layer is adjusted between 2 and 5 g/L for the micro-plastic-based contaminated liquid containing at least 369 particles/L. The second filtration layer is adjusted between 1 and 2 g/L of water for naturally contaminated tap water. The second filtration layer is a vetiver root bed, which comprises cleaned and trimmed vetiver roots sourced from naturally available grass. The second filtration layer is periodically replaced every 2 to 3 months to ensure consistent filtration efficiency and prevent performance degradation over time.
[0019] In one embodiment herein, the post-filtration chamber having an outlet is fluidly connected to the processing chamber. The post-filtration chamber is configured to receive the filtered liquid from the processing chamber and improve clarity of the micro-plastic-based contaminated liquid by facilitating the settling of residual particulates or micro-plastic particles not captured in the processing chamber, thereby achieving filtered and purified liquid. In one embodiment herein, the outlet of the post-filtration chamber dispenses the filtered and purified liquid for consumption.
[0020] In one embodiment herein, the flow regulation unit is configured to control a retention time within the processing chamber. The retention time is adjusted to 30 min, 60 min and 120 min, corresponding to a micro-plastic removal efficiency ranging from 85 % to 98 %, with longer durations yielding higher removal rates. The flow regulation unit is configured to operate in either manual or automatic mode for adjusting the filtration time based on the desired retention duration. In one embodiment herein, the micro-plastic filtration device operates effectively at ambient room temperature and does not require electrical power.
[0021] According to another aspect, the invention provides a method for operating the micro-plastic filtration device. At one step, the collection chamber receives and stores the micro-plastic-based contaminated liquid. At one step, the first filtration layer of the processing chamber coagulates the micro-plastic particles from the micro-plastic-based contaminated liquid.
[0022] At one step, the second filtration layer of the processing chamber absorbs and traps the coagulated micro-plastic particles through bio-filtration and mechanical retention, thereby obtaining a filtered liquid. At one step, the post-filtration chamber receives the filtered liquid from the processing chamber and improves the clarity of the micro-plastic-based contaminated liquid by facilitating the settling of residual particulates or micro-plastic particles not captured in the processing chamber, thereby achieving filtered and purified liquid.
[0023] Further, objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from a study of the following portion of the specification, the claims, and the attached drawings.
Detailed description of drawings:
[0024] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate an embodiment of the invention, and, together with the description, explain the principles of the invention.
[0025] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic view of a micro-plastic filtration device, in accordance to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0026] FIG. 2 illustrates a comparative graphical representation for a first case of the initial and final concentrations of micro-plastics observed after filtration with combined vetiver-alum, alum alone and vetiver alone, in accordance to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0027] FIG. 3 illustrates a comparative graphical representation for a second case of the initial and final concentrations of micro-plastics observed after filtration with combined vetiver-alum, alum alone and vetiver alone, in accordance to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0028] FIG. 4 illustrates a comparative graphical representation of removal efficiency for combined vetiver-alum, alum alone and vetiver alone, in accordance to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0029] FIG. 5A illustrates a FTIR spectrum for a first case of microplastic removal using the combined vetiver–alum filtration, in accordance to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0030] FIG. 5B illustrates a FTIR spectrum for a second case of microplastic removal using the combined vetiver–alum filtration, in accordance to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0031] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of a method for operating the micro-plastic filtration device, in accordance to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
Detailed invention disclosure:
[0032] Various embodiments of the present invention will be described in reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, same or similar reference numerals are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts or steps.
[0033] The present disclosure has been made with a view towards solving the problem with the prior art described above, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a micro-plastic filtration device for removing micro-plastic particles from a contaminated liquid, for example, water through a combination of coagulation, adsorption, and sedimentation processes.
[0034] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, FIG. 1 refers to a schematic view of a micro-plastic filtration device 100 for liquid purification. The micro-plastic filtration device 100 offers a cost-effective alternative to conventional advanced microplastic filtration technologies. The micro-plastic filtration device 100 represents an eco-friendly and sustainable solution, producing no toxic by-products during operation. The micro-plastic filtration device 100 ensures scalability, making it suitable for both household and industrial applications.
[0035] In one embodiment herein, the micro-plastic filtration device 100 comprises a housing 102 having plurality of chambers 104 for filtering a micro-plastic-based contaminated liquid, for example, water. The plurality of chambers 104 comprises a collection chamber 106, a processing chamber 108, a post-filtration chamber 114, and a flow regulation unit 116. In one embodiment herein, the collection chamber 106 is configured to receive and store the micro-plastic-based contaminated liquid, which includes, but not limited to, polyethylene and other synthetic polymer-based particulates.
[0036] In one embodiment herein, the processing chamber 108 is fluidly connected to the collection chamber 106. The processing chamber 108 is configured to suspend micro-plastic particles from the micro-plastic-based contaminated liquid. The processing chamber 108 comprises a first filtration layer 110 and a second filtration layer 112.
[0037] In one embodiment herein, the first filtration layer 110 is positioned at a top portion of the processing chamber 108. The first filtration layer 110 is configured to coagulate the micro-plastic particles from the micro-plastic-based contaminated liquid. The first filtration layer 110 is an alum. The first filtration layer 110 is adjusted between 10 to 30 mg/L for the micro-plastic-based contaminated liquid containing at least 369 particles/L. The first filtration layer 110 is adjusted between 4 to 5 mg/L for naturally contaminated tap water.
[0038] In one embodiment herein, the second filtration layer 112 is positioned at a bottom portion of the processing chamber 108. The second filtration layer 112 is configured to absorb and trap coagulated micro-plastic particles through bio-filtration and mechanical retention, thereby obtaining a filtered liquid. The second filtration layer 112 is adjusted between 2 and 5 g/L for the micro-plastic-based contaminated liquid containing at least 369 particles/L.
[0039] The second filtration layer 112 is adjusted between 1 and 2 g/L of water for naturally contaminated tap water. The second filtration layer 112 is a vetiver root bed, which comprises cleaned and trimmed vetiver roots sourced from naturally available grass. The second filtration layer 112 is periodically replaced every 2 to 3 months to ensure consistent filtration efficiency and prevent performance degradation over time.
[0040] In one embodiment herein, the post-filtration chamber 114 having an outlet 118 is fluidly connected to the processing chamber 108. The post-filtration chamber 114 is configured to receive the filtered liquid from the processing chamber 108 and improve the clarity of the micro-plastic-based contaminated liquid by facilitating the settling of residual particulates or micro-plastic particles not captured in the processing chamber 108, thereby achieving filtered and purified liquid. In one embodiment herein, the outlet 118 of the post-filtration chamber 114 dispenses the filtered and purified liquid for consumption.
[0041] In one embodiment herein, the flow regulation unit 116 is configured to control a retention time within the processing chamber 108. The retention time is adjusted to 30 min, 60 min and 120 min, corresponding to a micro-plastic removal efficiency ranging from 85 % to 98 %, with longer durations yielding higher removal rates. The flow regulation unit 116 is configured to operate in either manual or automatic mode for adjusting the filtration time based on the desired retention duration. In one embodiment herein, the micro-plastic filtration device 100 operates effectively at ambient room temperature and does not require electrical power.
[0042] In one embodiment herein, the micro-plastic filtration device 100 is configured to adjust the pH value of the water between 5.5 and 8.5 to optimize the coagulation efficiency of alum. The micro-plastic filtration device 100 maintains a minimum contact time of 30 min within the processing chamber 108, as filtration efficiency increases with prolonged retention. Additionally, the second filtration layer 112 is periodically replaced every 2 to 3 months to ensure sustained performance and consistent microplastic removal efficiency.
[0043] In one example embodiment herein, the first case, the experiment was conducted using water infused with synthetic polyethylene microplastic particles at an initial concentration of approximately 369 particles per liter. The treatment process began by introducing this contaminated liquid, for example, water into the collection chamber 106. A dosage of the first filtration layer 110 i.e., alum, ranging from 10 to 30 mg/L, was applied to the upper portion of the processing chamber 108. The alum acted as a coagulant, thereby promoting the aggregation of microplastic particles through destabilization of their surface charges.
[0044] At the bottom of the processing chamber 108, the second filtration layer 112 i.e., a vetiver root bed is placed at a concentration of 2 to 5 grams per liter. These second filtration layer 112 served as the adsorption medium, trapping and binding the aggregated microplastic particles. The micro-plastic filtration device 100 operated at room temperature and did not require electrical power, enhancing its feasibility in low-resource environments. The pH value of the water is maintained between 5.5 and 8.5 to optimize coagulation efficiency.
[0045] After treatment, the micro-plastic-based contaminated liquid passed into a post-filtration chamber 114, where further clarification took place before sample collection. The filtered samples were analyzed for microplastic content using stereo-zoom microscopy for particle counting and ATR-FTIR spectroscopy (Bruker ALPHA II, 16 scans/sample at 4 cm⁻¹ resolution) for material characterization. The micro-plastic filtration device 100 achieved removal efficiencies of 85% at 30 min, 93% at 60 min, and 98% at 120 min, significantly outperforming treatments with either alum or vetiver alone. Statistical analysis using one-way ANOVA and pairwise t-tests confirmed the superior performance of the combined vetiver-alum system (p < 0.05).
[0046] In one example embodiment herein, the naturally contaminated tap water contains microplastics from environmental exposure. The contaminated tap water is introduced into the collection chamber 106 without any artificial spiking. A lower concentration of alum 110, approximately 4 to 6 mg/L, is added to the upper section of the processing chamber 108. This adjustment was made to accommodate the relatively lower microplastic content and organic matter load in natural water compared to synthetic samples.
[0047] In one embodiment herein, the vetiver root bed 112, at a concentration of 1 to 2 grams per liter, was placed at the bottom of the processing chamber 108. The process relied on the natural coagulation and adsorption synergy between alum 110 and vetiver root bed 112. As in the first case, the filtration time was set to a minimum of 30 min. After treatment, the water entered the post-filtration chamber 114 for further purification before collection.
[0048] The same analytical techniques, stereo-zoom microscopy, and ATR-FTIR spectroscopy are used to quantify and characterize the microplastics before and after treatment. Environmental conditions such as room temperature were suitable for the operation of the micro-plastic filtration device 100. For maintenance, the vetiver bed roots 112 are scheduled to be replaced every 2 to 3 months to ensure filtration efficiency. Pre-cleaning of both vetiver bed roots 112 and alum 110 was performed to avoid the introduction of external contaminants. Excessive use of alum was avoided due to potential health concerns, and minimal amounts of vetiver bed roots 112 were used to prevent fragrance transfer into the filtered liquid.
[0049] Table 1:
Treatment Trail Filtration time (min) Removal efficiency (%)
Vetiver alone - 45 14
Alum alone - 30 48
Vetiver + alum 1 30 85
Vetiver + alum 2 60 93
Vetiver + alum 3 120 98

[0050] In one embodiment herein, a one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was performed to evaluate the differences in microplastic removal efficiencies among the three treatment methods such as vetiver alone, alum alone, and the combined vetiver–alum. The analysis yielded an F-statistic of 55.3, which significantly exceeds the critical F-value of 19.00 at a 0.05 significance level (α = 0.05). This result indicates that there is a statistically significant difference in removal performance among the treatments (p < 0.05), thereby confirming that the type of treatment applied has a substantial effect on microplastic reduction.
[0051] In one embodiment herein, two sample tests are performed to compare the combined vetiver-alum against each individual treatment. For combined vetiver-alum and vetiver alone, t = 20.63 (p < 0.05), showing a significant improvement over vetiver alone. For combined vetiver-alum and alum alone, t = 11.64 (p < 0.05), showing a significant improvement over alum alone.
[0052] According to another embodiment of the invention, FIG. 2 refers to a comparative graphical representation 200 for a first case of the initial and final concentrations of micro-plastics observed after filtration with combined vetiver-alum, alum alone, and vetiver alone. In one embodiment herein, the horizontal axis represents the concentration of micro-plastics in microplastics per liter, while the vertical axis categorizes the three filtration methods such as combined vetiver-alum, alum alone, and vetiver alone. In the case of vetiver alone, the initial concentration of microplastics in the water was approximately 370 microplastics per liter.
[0053] After treatment, the final concentration was reduced to around 290 microplastics per liter. This indicates a modest reduction of about 80 microplastics per liter, translating to a removal efficiency of roughly 21.6 %. While the vetiver roots bed 112 exhibited some natural adsorptive capacity, the reduction was limited. When alum 110 was used as the sole treatment agent, the same initial concentration of around 370 microplastics per liter was recorded.
[0054] After the treatment process, the final concentration dropped to approximately 180 microplastics per liter. This represents a more significant reduction of about 190 microplastics per liter and a removal efficiency of approximately 51.4%. The higher performance in this case can be attributed to the coagulation effect of alum, which helps aggregate microplastics, making them easier to remove.
[0055] The most remarkable performance was observed with the combined vetiver–alum. Starting from the same initial microplastic concentration of around 370 microplastics per liter, the final concentration after filtration was drastically reduced to nearly 5 to 10 microplastics per liter. This corresponds to a removal efficiency of approximately 98% to 99%. The results clearly demonstrate a strong synergistic effect when both biological (vetiver roots bed) and chemical (alum) filtration methods are employed together. The integration of adsorption and coagulation mechanisms results in superior microplastic capture compared to either method used individually.
[0056] According to another embodiment of the invention, FIG. 3 refers to a comparative graphical representation 300 for a second case of the initial and final concentrations of micro-plastics observed after filtration with combined vetiver-alum, alum alone, and vetiver alone. The concentration of microplastics is represented on the horizontal axis in terms of microplastics per liter (Microplastics/L), while the various treatment methods are listed along the vertical axis.
[0057] In the case of vetiver alone, the initial concentration of microplastics is approximately 52 Microplastics/L. After treatment using only the vetiver root bed 112, the final concentration is reduced to about 38 Microplastics/L. This outcome suggests that vetiver is capable of partially removing microplastics, likely through physical entrapment and surface adherence. However, its removal efficiency is relatively moderate when used independently.
[0058] For the alum alone treatment, the initial concentration remains the same at approximately 52 Microplastics/L. Following treatment with alum 110, the final microplastic concentration decreases to around 27 Microplastics/L. This represents a more significant reduction compared to vetiver alone, highlighting alum’s chemical capacity to coagulate and settle microplastics effectively. The improved performance may be attributed to alum’s mechanism of destabilizing and aggregating suspended microplastic particles, thereby facilitating their removal from the aqueous medium.
[0059] The most pronounced results are observed with the combined vetiver–alum treatment, where the initial concentration is again about 52 microplastics/L/L. Notably, the final concentration drops sharply to approximately 2 microplastics/L/L. This substantial reduction underscores the synergistic interaction between physical filtration provided by vetiver root bed 112 and chemical coagulation enabled by alum 110. The combination of these two mechanisms yields superior removal efficiency, effectively reducing the microplastic concentration in treated water to near-negligible levels.
[0060] According to another embodiment of the invention, FIG. 4 refers to a comparative graphical representation 400 of removal efficiency for combined vetiver-alum, alum alone and vetiver alone. In one embodiment herein, the X-axis represents the percentage of microplastics removed, while the Y-axis categorizes the three treatment methods such as vetiver alone, alum alone, and the combined vetiver–alum treatment. The vetiver alone treatment shows a relatively low microplastic removal efficiency, estimated at approximately 14 %. This indicates that while vetiver possesses some natural filtration capacity, possibly due to its fibrous root system—the vetiver root bed 112 is not highly effective when used in isolation for removing microplastics from the micro-plastic-based contaminated liquid, for example, water.
[0061] In another embodiment herein, the alum alone treatment demonstrates a notably higher removal efficiency of around 48%. Alum 110 acts as a chemical coagulant that facilitates the aggregation and sedimentation of suspended particles, including microplastics. The performance of alum alone is significantly better than that of vetiver alone, underscoring its effectiveness in conventional water purification processes.
[0062] The combined vetiver–alum treatment exhibits the highest removal efficiency, achieving approximately 98 %. This superior performance can be attributed to the synergistic effect between the physical trapping capability of the vetiver root bed 112 and the chemical coagulation mechanism provided by alum 110. The integration of natural and chemical methods in this combination results in the removal of nearly all microplastics from the solution. Overall, the combined vetiver–alum treatment represents an optimal and markedly superior strategy for effective microplastic removal.
[0063] In one embodiment herein, statistical analysis confirms that the combined vetiver–alum filtering unit achieves a significantly higher microplastic removal efficiency compared to the use of vetiver alone or alum alone. This enhanced performance is attributed to a synergistic interaction between the physical entrapment mechanism of the vetiver root bed 112 and the chemical coagulation-flocculation action of alum 110. The integration of these two distinct treatment modalities results in a more robust and effective filtration process, facilitating the aggregation, capture, and subsequent removal of microplastic particles from the aqueous environment.
[0064] Table 2:
Filtering media Initial micro-plastics [Microplastics/L] Filtration time (min) Final microplastic (after filtration) [Microplastics/L] Removal efficiency (%) [approximately]
Vetiver alone 369 45 317 14
Alum alone 369 30 192 48
Total number Combined vetiver-alum
Trail 1 369 30 55 85
Trail 2 369 60 25 93
Trail 3 369 120 7 98

[0065] The table 2 presents the performance of three different filtration methods such as vetiver alone, alum alone, and combined vetiver–alum for removing microplastics from water. The data includes initial microplastic concentration, filtration time, final concentration after treatment, and approximate removal efficiency. For the vetiver alone treatment, an initial concentration of 369 microplastics per liter was reduced to 317 microplastics per liter after 45 min of filtration, thereby resulting in a removal efficiency of approximately 14%. This indicates a limited effectiveness when using vetiver roots alone.
[0066] In the case of alum alone, the same initial concentration was treated over a time period of at least 30 min, thereby reducing the microplastics to 192 microplastics per liter. This corresponds to a notably higher removal efficiency of approximately 48%, reflecting the effectiveness of chemical coagulation. The combined vetiver–alum treatment demonstrates the highest performance across three trials. All trials began with the same initial concentration (369 microplastics/L).
[0067] In Trial 1, a 30-min treatment reduced the concentration to 55 microplastics/L, yielding an efficiency of 85%. In Trial 2, extending the time to 60 min reduced the concentration further to 25 microplastics/L (93% efficiency). Trial 3, with a filtration time of 120 min, achieved the best result, reducing microplastics to just 7 microplastics/L, corresponding to an efficiency of 98%. This trend shows that the combined treatment not only outperforms the individual methods but also improves with longer filtration durations.
[0068] Table 3:
Filtering media Initial micro-plastics [Microplastics/L] Filtration time (min) Final microplastic (after filtration) [Microplastics/L] Removal efficiency (%) [approximately]
Vetiver alone 54 45 46 14
Alum alone 54 30 28 48
Total number Combined vetiver-alum
Trail 1 54 30 8 85
Trail 2 54 60 4 93
Trail 3 54 120 1 98 [98.15]

[0069] Table 3 represents the effectiveness of three different filtration methods such as vetiver alone, alum alone, and combined vetiver–alum for removing microplastics from the micro-plastics-based contaminated liquid. For the vetiver alone treatment, the initial microplastic concentration was 54 microplastics per liter. After 45 min of filtration using only vetiver roots bed 112, the concentration was reduced to 46 microplastics per liter, resulting in a modest removal efficiency of 14%. This indicates that vetiver roots bed 112, while naturally capable of some adsorption, is limited in effectiveness when used independently.
[0070] In the case of alum alone, the same initial concentration of 54 microplastics per liter was treated for a time period of at least 30 min. The final concentration decreased to 28 microplastics per liter, corresponding to a removal efficiency of 48%, showing that alum 110 performs better than vetiver 112 by promoting coagulation and sedimentation of microplastics. The combined vetiver–alum treatment shows a significant improvement in performance.
[0071] In Trial 1, a 30-min treatment reduced the microplastic concentration to 8 microplastics per liter (85% efficiency). In Trial 2, with 60 min of filtration, the concentration further dropped to 4 microplastics per liter (93 % efficiency). Trial 3, with 120 min of filtration, achieved the highest removal efficiency of 98 % (98.15 %), reducing the concentration to just 1 microplastic per liter. These results clearly indicate that the combined treatment benefits from a synergistic effect, offering superior and time-dependent microplastic removal compared to either method used alone.
[0072] According to another embodiment of the invention, FIG. 5A refers to an FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared) spectrum 500 for the first case of microplastic removal using the combined vetiver–alum filtration. Here, the X-axis represents the wave number in cm⁻¹, and the Y-axis represents the transmittance percentage. In the "Before Treatment" spectrum, several prominent peaks are observed, each corresponding to characteristic vibrations of functional groups typically found in microplastic polymers. For instance, a peak at around 717 cm⁻¹ likely indicates C–H bending vibrations associated with polymers such as polystyrene.
[0073] The peaks observed in the range of 1378 cm⁻¹ to 1466 cm⁻¹ can be attributed to methyl and methylene bending vibrations, common in polyethylene and polypropylene structures. Further, the presence of peaks at approximately 1548 cm⁻¹ and 1590 cm⁻¹ suggests aromatic ring vibrations or amide bonds, which may point to polymers like PET (polyethylene terephthalate) or nylon. Peaks near 2916 cm⁻¹ and 2849 cm⁻¹ represent C–H stretching vibrations, while the peak at around 3041 cm⁻¹ could be associated with aromatic C–H stretching, again characteristic of certain plastic materials.
[0074] In contrast, the "After Treatment" spectrum shows a dramatic reduction in absorbance peaks across the wave number range. The flat or near-baseline signal implies a significant loss of identifiable functional groups, indicating that the treatment process has successfully removed or degraded the microplastic particles in the sample. The absence of peaks confirms that the chemical structures typically associated with microplastic contamination are no longer present in measurable quantities after the combined filtration treatment.
[0075] Overall, this FTIR analysis visually and chemically validates the effectiveness of the applied treatment method in removing microplastics from the water. The clear contrast between the spectra before and after treatment highlights the elimination of polymeric residues and supports the conclusion that the treatment process substantially reduces the microplastic load in contaminated samples.
[0076] According to another embodiment of the invention, FIG. 5B refers to a FTIR spectrum 502 for a second case of microplastic removal using the combined vetiver–alum filtration. Here, the X-axis represents the wave number in cm⁻¹, and the Y-axis represents the transmittance percentage. In the "Before Treatment" spectrum (lower graph), several distinct peaks are visible across the wave number range of 4000 to 500 cm⁻¹. These peaks are indicative of the presence of various functional groups typically found in microplastics.
[0077] For instance, strong absorption bands in the range of 2800–3000 cm⁻¹ correspond to C–H stretching vibrations in aliphatic hydrocarbons, commonly present in polyethylene and polypropylene. Peaks in the region of 1600–1000 cm⁻¹ suggest C=O, C–C, and C–O bond vibrations, which can be associated with polyesters, polystyrene, or other polymeric materials. This pattern confirms the presence of complex organic compounds related to plastic contamination in the untreated sample.
[0078] In contrast, the "After Treatment" spectrum (upper graph) is nearly flat across the entire wave number range, with almost no discernible peaks. The high transmittance (near 100%) across all regions indicates the absence of absorbance from polymer-related functional groups, suggesting that the microplastics and their associated compounds have been effectively removed from the treated water. The lack of characteristic peaks after treatment is a strong indication that the filtration or purification process significantly reduced or eliminated the presence of synthetic polymers in the sample.
[0079] According to another embodiment of the invention, FIG. 6 refers to a flowchart 600 of a method for operating the micro-plastic filtration device 100. At step 602, the collection chamber 106 receives and stores the micro-plastic-based contaminated liquid. At step 604, the first filtration layer 110 of the processing chamber 108 coagulates the micro-plastic particles from the micro-plastic-based contaminated liquid.
[0080] At step 606, the second filtration layer 112 of the processing chamber 108 absorbs and traps the coagulated micro-plastic particles through bio-filtration and mechanical retention, thereby obtaining a filtered liquid. At step 608, the post-filtration chamber 114 receives the filtered liquid from the processing chamber 108 and improves clarity of the micro-plastic-based contaminated liquid by facilitating the settling of residual particulates or micro-plastic particles not captured in the processing chamber 108, thereby achieving the filtered and purified liquid.
[0081] Numerous advantages of the present disclosure may be apparent from the discussion above. In accordance with the present disclosure, a micro-plastic filtration device 100 for liquid purification and a method of operation are disclosed. The proposed micro-plastic filtration device 100 removes micro-plastic particles from a contaminated liquid through a combination of coagulation, adsorption, and sedimentation processes. The proposed micro-plastic filtration device 100 achieves superior filtration efficiency through the synergistic action of vetiver roots and alum.
[0082] The proposed micro-plastic filtration device 100 is cost-effective when compared to conventional and advanced filtration technologies. The proposed micro-plastic filtration device 100 is eco-friendly, sustainable, and free from toxic by-products, making it safe for long-term use and environmental integration. The proposed micro-plastic filtration device 100 is scalable and adaptable for deployment across both household and industrial water treatment applications.
[0083] It will readily be apparent that numerous modifications and alterations can be made to the processes described in the foregoing examples without departing from the principles underlying the invention, and all such modifications and alterations are intended to be embraced by this application.
, Claims:CLAIMS:
I / We Claim:
1. A micro-plastic filtration device (100), comprising:
a housing (102) having plurality of chambers (104) for filtering a micro-plastic-based contaminated liquid, wherein the plurality of chambers (104) comprises:
a collection chamber (106) configured to receive and store the micro-plastic-based contaminated liquid, which includes polyethylene and synthetic polymer-based particulates;
a processing chamber (108) fluidly connected to the collection chamber (106), wherein the processing chamber (108) is configured to suspend micro-plastic particles from the micro-plastic-based contaminated liquid, wherein the processing chamber (108) comprises:
a first filtration layer (110) positioned at a top portion of the processing chamber (108), wherein the first filtration layer (110) is configured to coagulate the micro-plastic particles from the micro-plastic-based contaminated liquid; and
a second filtration layer (112) positioned at a bottom portion of the processing chamber (108), wherein the second filtration layer (112) is configured to absorb and trap coagulated micro-plastic particles through bio-filtration and mechanical retention, thereby obtaining a filtered liquid;
a post-filtration chamber (114) having an outlet (118) fluidly connected to the processing chamber (108), wherein the post-filtration chamber (114) is configured to receive the filtered liquid from the processing chamber (108) and improve clarity of the micro-plastic-based contaminated liquid by facilitating the settling of residual particulates or micro-plastic particles not captured in the processing chamber (108), thereby achieving filtered and purified liquid; and
a flow regulation unit (116) configured to control a retention time within the processing chamber (108).
2. The micro-plastic filtration device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the retention time is adjusted to 30 min, 60 min and 120 min, corresponding to a micro-plastic removal efficiency ranging from 85 % to 98 %, with longer durations yielding higher removal rates.
3. The micro-plastic filtration device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first filtration layer (110) is an alum, wherein the first filtration layer (110) is adjusted between 10 to 30 mg/L for the micro-plastic-based contaminated liquid containing at least 369 particles/L, wherein the first filtration layer (110) is adjusted between 4 to 5 mg/L for naturally contaminated tap water.
4. The micro-plastic filtration device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second filtration layer (112) is adjusted between 2 and 5 g/L for the micro-plastic-based contaminated liquid containing at least 369 particles/L, wherein the second filtration layer (112) is adjusted between 1 and 2 g/L of water for naturally contaminated tap water.
5. The micro-plastic filtration device (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the second filtration layer (112) is vetiver root bed, which comprises cleaned and trimmed vetiver roots sourced from naturally available grass.
6. The micro-plastic filtration device (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the second filtration layer (112) is periodically replaced every 2 to 3 months to ensure consistent filtration efficiency and prevent performance degradation over time.
7. The micro-plastic filtration device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the outlet (118) of the post-filtration chamber (114) is dispense the filtered and purified liquid for consumption.
8. The micro-plastic filtration device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the micro-plastic filtration device (100) operates effectively at ambient room temperature and does not require electrical power.
9. The micro-plastic filtration device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flow regulation unit (116) is configured to operate in either manual or automatic mode for adjusting the filtration time based on the desired retention duration.
10. A method for operating a micro-plastic filtration device (100), comprising:
receiving and storing, by a collection chamber (106), micro-plastic-based contaminated liquid;
coagulating, by a first filtration layer (110) of a processing chamber (108), micro-plastic particles from the micro-plastic-based contaminated liquid;
absorbing and trapping, by a second filtration layer (112) of the processing chamber (108), the coagulated micro-plastic particles through bio-filtration and mechanical retention, thereby obtaining a filtered liquid; and
receiving, by a post-filtration chamber (114), the filtered liquid from the processing chamber (108) and improving clarity of the micro-plastic-based contaminated liquid by facilitating the settling of residual particulates or micro-plastic particles not captured in the processing chamber (108), thereby achieving filtered and purified liquid.