The Treatment of Microplastics
Posted on 22/Jul/2019
There have been several recent articles in the press that refer to microplastics and the subsequent harm to the aquatic environment as well as wildlife and human health. The focus on plastics such as tyre wear pollution must surely be continued as no specific legislation currently exists to limit or reduce microplastic particles. According to Friends of the Earth, 68,000 tonnes of microplastics from tyre tread abrasion are generated in the UK every year with between 7,000 and 19,000 tonnes entering surface waters. Added to this the washing of synthetic plastic clothing, industrial plastic waste and aggressive chemical waste from worn paint and road markings, thousands of tonnes every year put a truly alarming amount of microplastics into our water networks from surface water. From the aforementioned sources alone, an estimated 32,000 tonnes can enter our rivers, our estuaries and the sea annually. Just the UK alone…
The issue undoubtedly needs more action and quickly. Whilst the government has seemingly stood still on taking necessary action against these unacceptable levels, there are ways in which we can significantly contribute to reducing this, including our behaviour and ensure that the quality of our water not only improves but stays cleaner.
D-Rainclean® Channel and D-Rainclean® Filter Media provide a highly effective, proven solution for the treatment of not only hydrocarbons and heavy metals but Poly Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) and Filterable Solids (FAS) including microplastics.
Key benefits:
- Excellent hydraulic capacity
- Long service life 10-20 years – years before media replacement
- Excellent solids retention and prevents soil migration when laid to a fall
- Unique filter media – optimised grain size lowers clogging risk
- Absorber agents provided a high retention of dissolved pollutants
- Active soil microbiology, gives a vitalised soil
- Helps decomposition of organic pollutants
- Resistant to de-icing salt
- Simple replacement of filter media in the event of accidental spillage (e.g. oil spillage)
- Internal baffle walls allows the system to be laid level or to a fall
- 1m² D-Rainclean® = 40 m² Catchment area
- Simple and easy to lay
- Suitable for use in a range of trafficked areas with B and D class gratings
- Non trafficked areas require no concrete reinforcement, reducing installation cost and time
- Filter media can be used for other applications (e.g. ponds, swales)
- Eight 100mm holes in the channel base allow infiltration at source
- Calculable hydraulic capacity over its service life
- Cast iron grates are fixed via a tamper proof tensioned sprint or can be bolted for extra security
- Emergency overflow allows exceedance events to be accommodated
- D-Rainclean® can be installed in soils with very low permeability when used in combination with geocellular units.
Tel: 01455 502222
Email: sales@storm-water.co.uk
www.storm-water.co.uk
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