We're proud to partner with PolyGone Systems to pilot their innovative Artificial Root Filter at our Wastewater Treatment Facility. This groundbreaking system helps capture microplastics before treated water is released into the ocean, protecting our waterways and environment. ?? We are looking forward to the next phase of this important work.
Microplastics are harmful particles of plastic that are less than 5 millimeters in diameter. They can cause significant health issues and are difficult to remove, especially in water. Using Atlantic City as a lab, two Princeton University Graduate School alumni are leading a startup that has designed a system that filters microplastics from treated wastewater before it’s deployed into the ocean. The project is the first of its kind. What started as a joint architectural thesis project at Princeton for Yidian Liu *21 and Nathaniel Banks *21 has blossomed into PolyGone, a company that develops affordable and systematic solutions to mitigate microplastic pollution. The team created a unique filtration system, Artificial Root Filters, that can passively adhere microplastics from passing water flows, and effectively collect sub-mm scale microplastics. Using the Artificial Root Filters, Polygone has designed an array of filtration systems. It was while they participated in the National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded I-Corps Hub Northeast Region and national program - that they made a connection with Atlantic County Utilities Authority (ACUA) to pilot their system. Through I-Corps, the team visited water treatment plants around the world while collaborating with researchers and industry experts to refine the design and business strategy. In September 2024, PolyGone held a grand opening for the world’s first Microplastic Removal Pilot alongside a Microplastic Education Pavilion at the ACUA facility in Egg Harbor Township – a 40 million-gallon-per-day treatment plant that serves approximately 225,000 residents in New Jersey. "At school, we always worked with concepts and speculations. The pilot gave us a chance to not only visualize the concept turning into reality, but also learn to adapt site complications, construction procedures, and work with truly amazing partners who also believed in our vision," Liu said. The pilot will continue as the team is currently working on Phase 2, which will run for another 12 months. The ACUA project is just the beginning. The company has three additional pilots and three pending patents, while Liu and Banks were also named to the 2024 Forbes 30 Under 30 list for social impact. Read more about the Princeton spinout: https://lnkd.in/eHeJtk9f