Microfiber Acoustic Recycling with Enzyme-Assisted Valorization and Elimination (MARVEL)

A Novel Approach for Microplastic Isolation from WWT Sludge

Abstract

Microfiber plastics (MFPs), a dominant subset of microplastics, pose a growing environmental threat due to their persistence, toxicity, and widespread presence in wastewater treatment (WWT) sludge. Despite partial filtration during WWT processes, most MFPs remain embedded in untreated sludge, ultimately re-entering ecosystems through land application or incineration. This paper presents MARVEL, an innovative dual-stage system that combines acoustic separation and enzyme-assisted degradation to isolate and break down MFPs before sludge deposition. Using standing acoustic waves, the system directs microfibers toward nodal planes in custom-built resonating chambers integrated into WWT pipelines. Separated particles are diverted into a degradation tank containing encapsulated hydrolytic enzymes, which rapidly and safely decompose synthetic fibers into harmless byproducts. Experimental evidence and real-world analogs demonstrate removal efficiencies exceeding 80% and enzymatic breakdown rates of up to 90%. Compared to conventional methods, MARVEL offers higher precision, lower energy use, adaptability across WWT systems (including septic tanks), and no toxic byproducts. This approach marks a transformative step toward scalable, sustainable microplastic mitigation, supporting global wastewater infrastructure upgrades and environmental health.