Diseño de un dispositivo para la remoción de microplásticos en ríos

Abstract

The aim of this work was the design of a device using SolidWorks, which allowed the removal of microplastics in rivers in Ecuador, since most of these bodies of water have been affected by this plastic pollutant, affecting various ecosystems and having serious consequences on the health of both animals and people. An analysis was made in different patent databases and its design was specified, determining the shape, size, materials and filtering mesh that was defined by a granulometric test, in which microplastic was used and Mesh 80 was established with a mesh opening of 0.19 mm. As for the materials used, the conical body of the device was made of stainless steel that complied with the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards. Wooden spheres were placed on top of it to make the device float and maintain its position in the river. Once all the tests were carried out, it was determined that the device had a total area of 60 cm2, a diameter of 25 cm, a width of 27 cm, a length of 40 cm and a weight of 1.15 kg and a percentage of microplastic removal in rivers of 83.16%. This test was carried out in the Chibunga River, which determined its efficiency and resistance when it was put into operation. It is concluded that the device fulfilled the desired requirements, which are the removal of microplastics in rivers and the correct resistance when submerged in water. It is recommended to place a network of devices along the river in order to maximize the collection of microplastics in all the extension of the river to be decontaminated.