UBCO two-layer membrane reduces nanoplastics in landfill leachate

UBC Okanagan researchers describe a dual-layer membrane that in laboratory tests removed nearly all microplastics and captured more than 98 per cent of nanoplastics from landfill leachate, and the membrane can be cleaned and reused.

Researchers at UBC Okanagan have developed a two-layer membrane designed to reduce micro- and nanoplastic release from landfill leachate. Landfill leachate is the contaminated liquid that forms when rainwater passes through waste and can carry microscopic plastics into groundwater. The research team says conventional drainage systems were not designed to intercept micro- and nanoparticles. The study describing the membrane was published in the Journal of Environmental Management. Key findings: - The membrane has two complementary layers: a top layer that captures plastics through chemical attraction and filtration, and a lower layer that repels remaining particles using electrostatic forces. - In laboratory tests the system removed nearly all microplastics and captured more than 98 per cent of nanoplastics. - The membrane maintained performance over multiple filtration cycles and could be cleaned and reused using a backwashing method. - Materials are described as durable and chemically stable to withstand temperature changes, aggressive wastewater, and long-term exposure. - The researchers say the design could support next-generation landfill liners that combine structural protection with active pollution control. - The work was led by Dr. Sumi Siddiqua and doctoral student Mahmoud Babalar at UBCO's School of Engineering. Summary: The researchers report the membrane could help protect groundwater and surface waters by trapping tiny plastic pollutants in leachate. Laboratory results showed high removal rates and reusability, and the team suggests the approach could form the basis for landfill liners that add active pollution control to containment. Undetermined at this time.