Excited to share our latest paper published in Chemical Engineering Journal about a design and evaluation of microalgae removal using paper-based self filtration that has advantages of low cost and biomass-driven sustainability.
See details here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1385894726008235
This zero-energy, paper-based self-filtration system harnesses natural capillary and gravitational forces to achieve >90% microalgae removal—without pumps, electricity, or chemical additives. Using machine learning–guided optimization and mechanistic modeling, we identify key design parameters governing flux and fouling behavior. Notably, the system achieves treatment costs of ~$0.068/m³, only 1/10–1/20 of conventional technologies, offering a promising pathway for decentralized, low-cost water treatment, especially in resource-limited and energy-scarce regions.
🔹 Zero external energy
🔹 Ultra-low cost, biodegradable materials
🔹 Strong potential for harmful algal bloom (HAB) mitigation and sustainable water treatment
This is a collaboration between Xinyang Li’s group from Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Contaminants Control Technologies and Intelligent Equipment in Water, School of Environment, Beijing Jiaotong University and Wen Zhang’s group Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, who shared complementary expertise in machine learning and micro algae removal.