The presence of micro- and nano-plastics in our ecosystems is one of the biggest environmental challenges of our time. With the widespread use of plastic-based materials, these harmful particles are now found in marine and freshwater environments as well as terrestrial ecosystems. Despite their small size, they pose a growing threat to human health and ecosystem services. The EU-funded BMRex project will develop a biocatalyst-based membrane reactor technology to remove micro/nano-plastics from household and industrial wastewater effluents using a combination of enzymes and porous inorganic scaffolds. The technology will be designed to resist biofouling and maximise biocatalytic activity, making it more efficient and safer for in situ wastewater recycling. BMRex aims to transform how society uses plastic, promoting a more sustainable future.
Research Grant: Biocatalytic membranes for micro/nano plastic degradation within waste water effluents
University of Aveiro
Aveiro, Portugal 🇵🇹