OPEN HOUSE 2025 – Introduction of exhibitors
6. June 2025
Microplastics in the Rehbach
16. June 2025
Removal of microplastics, PVA, and PFAS from wastewater
Wastewater treatment plants are significant sources of microplastics and micropollutants in the environment. The concentration of harmful chemicals detected in wastewater from industrial and municipal wastewater treatment plants is continuously increasing. While many fourth treatment stages can remove dissolved organic micropollutants, the removal of microplastics and micropollutants such as PFAS or PVA is not yet mandatory. However, their impact on water quality is increasingly being discussed, as are their negative effects on humans and aquatic life or organisms. There is therefore an urgent need for action to clean wastewater contaminated with toxic pollutants using suitable treatment processes - and together with Van Remmen UV Technology as part of the EU UPSTREAM project, we are testing the simultaneous removal of PVA, PFAS and microplastics using an advanced oxidation process (AOP) in combination with Wasser 3.0 PE-X®.
The growing threat of invisible pollutants
Wastewater treatment plants have long since ceased to be simply plants for removing for visible pollutants. They have become one of the most significant sources of microplastics and micropollutants in our environment. What was once celebrated as technical progress is now revealing its limits: The concentration of harmful chemicals in wastewater from industry and municipal sewage treatment plants is continuously increasing.
At the limit: these are the challenges and limits of conventional wastewater treatment methods
While modern four-stage treatment processes are certainly capable of removing dissolved organic micropollutants, they reach their limits when it comes to removing microplastics and persistent pollutants such as PFAS (per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances) or PVA (polyvinyl alcohol).
Although the removal of these substances is not yet required by law, their impact on water quality is increasingly becoming the focus of public debate. The negative consequences for humans, aquatic animals and organisms cannot be denied.
The invisible danger
Microplastics find their way into our wastewater via various routes:
- Synthetic textiles during washing
- Tire abrasion from roads
- Cosmetic products and personal care products
- Packaging materials
PFAS compounds are particularly problematic as they are:
- Are extremely persistent in the environment
- Accumulate in organisms
- Are difficult to degrade
- Pose potential health risks
PVA is often found in:
- Industrial processes
- Household chemicals
- Packaging materials
Pioneering collaboration: innovation through the EU UPSTREAM project
The answer to these challenges lies in innovative treatment approaches. In collaboration with Van Remmen UV Technology, we are developing innovative solutions for the simultaneous removal of PVA, PFAS and microplastics as part of the EU UPSTREAM project.
The technology: Advanced Oxidation Process (AOP) with Wasser 3.0 PE-X®
Our approach combines two proven technologies to create a highly efficient treatment method:
Advanced Oxidation Process (AOP):
- Generates highly reactive hydroxyl radicals
- Degrades persistent organic pollutants
- Works at room temperature and atmospheric pressure
- Leaves no harmful residues
- Selective removal of specific pollutants
- High efficiency with low energy consumption
- Scalable solution for different system sizes
- Environmentally friendly treatment approach
Why are these innovation projects so important?
- Protecting water resources
Clean water is one of the most valuable resources on our planet. Continuous pollution by micropollutants and microplastics threatens not only aquatic ecosystems, but also our drinking water supply. Innovative treatment technologies are the key to preserving this vital resource.
- Protecting human and animal health
The effects of microplastics and persistent chemicals on health are increasingly being researched and understood. From endocrine disruption to possible carcinogenic properties, the risks are manifold and require preventative measures.
- Compliance with future regulations
Even if the removal of these pollutants is not yet required by law, it is becoming apparent that stricter regulations will follow. Wastewater treatment plant operators who invest in innovative technologies at an early stage are ideally equipped for these developments.
What are the advantages of combined treatment?
The combination of the AOP and Wasser 3.0 PE-X® technologies offers several decisive advantages in terms of efficiency and sustainability:
- Simultaneous treatment: different classes of pollutants are removed in one process
- Energy efficiency: Optimized energy consumption through intelligent process control
- Cost-effectiveness: Reduced operating costs through integrated treatment
- Environmental friendliness: Minimization of chemical additives
Or also in practical implementation
The technology developed is designed to be integrated into existing wastewater treatment plants. This enables step-by-step modernization without the need for completely new buildings and makes the innovation economically attractive even for smaller operators.
Outlook in the future of wastewater treatment: Is a paradigm shift in water management on the horizon?
We are at the beginning of a paradigm shift in wastewater treatment. Simply removing conventional pollutants is no longer enough. Modern wastewater treatment plants must become highly specialized treatment centers that are able to capture even the smallest and most persistent contaminants.
Contribution to the circular economy
The technologies developed not only contribute to the purification of wastewater but also enable the recovery of valuable resources. Treated water can be reused for various applications, which helps to conserve natural water resources.
Conclusion: Action is needed now
The continuous increase in microplastics and micropollutants in our wastewater urgently requires innovative solutions. The EU UPSTREAM project shows that effective treatment methods can be developed by combining proven and new technologies.
The direct view, the direct information
Would you like to find out more about the UPSTREAM project and get a first-hand impression of how the monitoring and removal systems work? Visit our OPEN HOUSE event on June 26 and 27 in Landau to see the systems on site and discuss solutions with partners from Van Remmen and Wasser 3.0.
