BIOBEADS FOR THE REMOVAL OF MICROPLASTICS

Abstract

ABSTRACT In the current era of industrialization and urbanization there is a significant increase in the production of plastic which has lead to the release of microplastic to the environment. These microplastics are found to be present in every part of the ecosystem including aquatic and terrestrial ecosystem. As the removal of microplastics is a tedious and time consuming the need for new cost-effective and environmental friendly materials. The introduction of enzymes and microbes for the degradation of microplastic has been revolutioni•ing thee urban and industrial areas. The organism Bacillus cereus is found to be able produce Iaccase enzyme which are able to degrade microplastic to carbon compounds and energy. These carbon compounds are found to be non-toxic in nature and useful for further production of useful products. These enzymes are covered with an adsorbent to form a bead structun: which allows for the microplastics to be adsorbed for easier degradation. These beads are able to adsorb a significant amount of microplastic present in aquatic environment and even in the terrestrial ecosystem. These beads would be helpful in the degradation which would be eco-friendly and cost-effective in nature.

Specification

BIOBEADS FOR THE REMOVAL OF l\1ICROPLASTICS
PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRPTION
THE FIELD OF INVENTION (TREATMENT FACILITIES)
The invention pertains to innovative advancements in environmental technologies, specifically in
the areas of wastewater treatment, pollution control, and microplastic removal.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The proliferation of microplastics in the aquatic and terrestrial environment has been a significant
concern in major part of the environment. These particles are of size less than 5 millimeters in
diameter and can originate from different sources such as from plastic debris, synthetic fibres, and
personal care products. These microplastics are highly found in municipal waste water and in waste
water treatment plants. These microplastics will accumulate in the living organism due to the
organisms inability to resist the absorbing the microplastic. These particles attach to the cells and
even enter the cells accumulating and causing cell death and issues in the production of several
proteins and function of cell. In the recent years several studies has been made on enzymes
degradation ability and bacteria ability to produce these enzymes. Laccase is the enzyme which
has been used here for the degradation of microplastic. The enzymes are mixed with an organic
compounds which has an ability for higher adsorption of microplastics. The organic compound
Chitosan is used for the production of biobeads. These biobeads are embedded with the enzyme
laccase produced by the bacteria Bacillus cereus. The enzyme is found to be active at the range of
pH 4.5-6.0 and temperature of 20-50°C. These biobeads are able to adsorb the microplastic which
has the enzyme in them which can degrade them to energy and carbon compounds.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Biobeads for the removal of microplastics: b i o bead with enzyme embedded are able to adsorb
microplastic and degrade them.
BIOBEADS FOR THE REMOVAL OF MICROPLASTICS
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
Specifications
• The main ingredients of the biobead include chitosan and laccase enzyme, which are all
processed from microorganism and several other chitosan producing organism. When
mixed, these can be made up an adsorbent with the ability for degradation.
• The chitosan is dissolved in the acetic acict solution of 1-2% concentration. This
concentration depends on the properties of the beads produced. Chitosan are non-toxic and
biocompatible in nature.
• To this solution of chitosan laccase enzyme is added. The concentration of the enzyme
should be based on the activity of the enzyme. This process should be followed carefully as
it can lead to denaturation of enzyme.
• This solution with enzyme and chitosan are dropped sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution
instantly fom1ing beads-like structure.
• These beads are hardened for I 0-15 mins and is collected in sterile distilled water which
removes the excess NaOH. This helps in the prevention of enzyme inactivation and
ensure the beads safety.
These beads are environmentally friendly and easily degradable in the environment. These beads after
degradation releases energy and ca~bon compounds which are non-toxic in nature
BIOBEADS FOR THE REMOVAL OF MICROPLASTICS
DESCRIPTION
Introducing biobeads with enzyme embedded in them for the degradation of microplastic. These beads
are formed using chitosan and enzyme together producing a eco-friendly and cost-effective. The chitosan
acts as adsorbent for microplastic with their higher pore size which is also a place for the enzyme is placed.
The enzymes in the pores act on the microplastic degrading them and releasing energy and carbon
compounds. As the surface area of the beads are high the adsorption rate on the beads are also high in
adsorping microplastic. The linkage between chitosan and enzyme helps in providing high stability and
helps in controlling the enzyme activity.

BIOBEADS FOR THE REMOVAL OF MICROPLASTICS
CLAIM
We Claim
I. Claim: Biobeads for microplastic degradation claim to be effective in the adsorption and
removal of microplastic from wastewater.
2. Claim: Biobeads are found to ecofrienQly and cost-effective when in comparison to other
techniques.
3. Claim: Biobeads are able to degrade the micrplastics to produce energy and non-toxic carbon
compounds.
4. Claim: Biobeads can be utilized treatment of wastewater from urban and industrial areas.

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