ATLANTIC CITY – The Atlantic County Utilities Authority has announced a partnership with PolyGone Systems in an effort to remove microplastics from treated effluent before it is discharged into the ocean.
A grand opening of the pilot project will be held 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 12 at the ACUA Wastewater Treatment Facility, 1801 Absecon Blvd. in Atlantic City. Rain date is Sept. 13.
PolyGone Systems is a start-up company formed by graduates of Princeton University who have developed the technology to capture microplastic pollutants from wastewater treated at the wastewater treatment facility before it is released into the ocean. The filtration system contains two proprietary microplastic filters, which will intercept the microplastics next to the equalization basin.
Wastewater or sewage is the dirty water that goes down drains, toilets, sinks, showers and washing machines that contain biosolids and pollutants that are harmful to the environment. ACUA accepts effluent from 14 Atlantic County municipalities and disinfects the wastewater before it is released into the Atlantic Ocean. The entire treatment process takes about eight hours and is closely monitored by staff around the clock. The ACUA treats about 40 million gallons of wastewater a day and operates 24 hours a day.The PolyGone filtration process, which includes silicone artificial filters modeled after aquatic plant roots, will take place at the end of the treatment process.
Along with the “Artificial Root Filter,” PolyGone has designed an educational pavilion where visitors and students can learn about the problems surrounding microplastics contamination and the start-up’s mission to eliminate plastics pollution.
The event will include refreshments and networking opportunities.
Click here to register for the event.
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