Mikro-nix

Knowledge-based separation of environmentally harmful microplastic particles from fluid flows using modeling, numerical simulation, and experimental validation

Team

Duration:

Funded by:

Project description

Forschungprojekt zum Einfangen schädlicher Mikroplastikpartikel aus Reifenabrieb und Textilien

Environmental pollution with microplastic particles is increasing globally. Microplastics have been detected in marine organisms, but also in the human body (including the brain and placenta), posing unforeseeable health risks. Microplastics in soil are mainly caused by tire wear, while microplastics in water are mainly caused by the washing of synthetic textiles such as fleece and functional clothing. This is where Mikro-nix comes in, researching and developing technologies using computation fluid dynamics simulation to capture harmful particles.

Further information: Tire wear. As engines become cleaner, tire abrasion accounts for an increasing proportion of particle-related air pollution in cities. The Euro 7 emissions standard is the first to address tire wear. The increasing proportion of electric vehicles increases tire wear due to the higher vehicle weight and high torque. This will further exacerbate the traffic-related microplastics problem in the future.

Further information: Textiles. When synthetic clothing is washed, tiny microplastic fibers are released. These microplastic particles largely pass through conventional sewage treatment plants and end up in rivers, oceans, soil, and even in the human body—for example, through the consumption of seafood. Filtration at the source, i.e., directly in or behind the washing machine, is therefore considered a key preventive measure. Some countries—e.g., France since 2025—already have or are planning to introduce legal requirements for the mandatory installation of filters.