Project Overview

Addressing the need for removal of microplastics in the energy conversion process of MSW

Municipal solid waste (MSW) can be repurposed by conversion into biofuel.  However, a major concern in this process is the creation of microplastics from the waste.  Microplastics are miniscule particles originating from plastic consumer products, clothing, cleansers, and much more.  Microplastics have been found everywhere from oceans, soil, crops and human bodies.  While systems to remove microplastics are in the early stages of development, these systems are not well researched and not widespread.  The goal of this project is to use concepts of ferrofluid to remove microplastics, while integrating it into one system that cuts plastic into tolerable sizes for energy conversion.