Coagulation of Microplastics Using Polyglutamic Acid: Insights from DLVO Theory and Experimental Study

Authors

  • Arbaie Ahmad Faizil Yap EMZI-UiTM Nanoparticles Colloids & Interface Industrial Research Laboratory (NANO-CORE), Chemical Engineering Studies, College of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Cawangan Pulau Pinang, 13500 Permatang Pauh, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
  • Mohamed Syazwan Osman EMZI-UiTM Nanoparticles Colloids & Interface Industrial Research Laboratory (NANO-CORE), Chemical Engineering Studies, College of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Cawangan Pulau Pinang, 13500 Permatang Pauh, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
  • Hafawati Rosdi EMZI-UiTM Nanoparticles Colloids & Interface Industrial Research Laboratory (NANO-CORE), Chemical Engineering Studies, College of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Cawangan Pulau Pinang, 13500 Permatang Pauh, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
  • Anis Syuhada Saufi EMZI-UiTM Nanoparticles Colloids & Interface Industrial Research Laboratory (NANO-CORE), Chemical Engineering Studies, College of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Cawangan Pulau Pinang, 13500 Permatang Pauh, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
  • Nur Alya Syamilah Mohd Nasir EMZI-UiTM Nanoparticles Colloids & Interface Industrial Research Laboratory (NANO-CORE), Chemical Engineering Studies, College of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Cawangan Pulau Pinang, 13500 Permatang Pauh, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Keywords:

Polyethylene, Polyglutamic Acid, Coagulation, DLVO Theory , Microplastics

Abstract

Microplastics have become a significant environmental and public health issue, particularly in Malaysia, where an estimated 0.4 to 0.9 million tons of plastic waste are discharged into water bodies annually. Traditional removal methods are insufficient, thus prompting the need for more effective solutions. This study introduces polyglutamic acid (PGA) as a novel, environment-friendly coagulant for microplastic removal, with polyethylene selected because of its prevalence in surface waters. Using jar tests, the optimal PGA dosage and pH for removal were determined, and mathematical modelling based on the Derjaguin–Landau (Verwey) theory was employed to predict the critical coagulation concentration (CCC). The findings indicate that 8 ppm PGA at a pH of 1 is optimal for microplastic removal, with the DLVO theory-based model aligned well with the experimental results. This study not only highlights the effectiveness of PGA as a coagulant, but also offers valuable insights into microplastic coagulation mechanisms, contributing to the development of improved water purification strategies in regions affected by severe plastic pollution.

 

Downloads

Published

2024-10-22

How to Cite

Arbaie Ahmad Faizil Yap, Mohamed Syazwan Osman, Hafawati Rosdi, Anis Syuhada Saufi, & Nur Alya Syamilah Mohd Nasir. (2024). Coagulation of Microplastics Using Polyglutamic Acid: Insights from DLVO Theory and Experimental Study. Bioresources and Environment, 2(3), 24–44. Retrieved from https://bioenvuitm.com/index.php/en/article/view/78

Issue

Section

Environmental Sciences

Categories