Control and capture microplastics technology

Captoplastic, the organization I represent, is committed to contributing to the Mission Ocean and Waters through the following action:

Captoplastic has developed a novel, patented, and scalable technology capable of capturing microplastics from any type of water flow. Currently, Captoplastic is implementing this microplastic capture plant at a wastewater treatment facility in Madrid, operated by Canal de Isabel II. The current plant has a capacity of 2,400 m³/day, and a larger facility of 30,000 m³/day is under development. This innovative technology removes microplastics from the water line, resulting in an effluent free of microplastics. As this treated water flows into rivers, it significantly reduces microplastic pollution that would otherwise reach seas and oceans.
Installed at the primary treatment stage, the system also removes microplastics from the sludge line, producing sludge free of microplastics and suitable for agricultural reuse, thus contributing to the goal of zero soil pollution.

Additionally, the action includes a monitoring system called CAPTONLINE, an online device capable of quantifying microplastics present in incoming wastewater, treated water, and final effluent. This allows not only the reduction of microplastic emissions but also online monitoring of microplastic levels and pollution control effectiveness.
CAPTONLINE and 2,400m3/d capture plant are financing by Microplastics Universal Solution Treatment project that has received a Seal of Excellence under the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator programme (including the pilot phase), within the framework of the Horizon Europe programme to promote business investment in R&D&I.

Captoplastic also offers CAPTOLAB, a semi-automatic lab device that can quantify microplastics in any type of water, including complex matrices and sludge. It is also suitable for marine sample analysis, helping to provide an accurate assessment of ocean and sea pollution levels.

This action directly supports the Mission “Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030” by preventing and reducing pollution in line with the EU Action Plan Towards Zero Pollution for Air, Water and Soil.
Furthermore, the action is replicable and scalable, and can be deployed in other wastewater treatment plants, particularly those located near the coast. Both capture and monitoring technologies can be adapted for a wide range of water sources, including industrial effluents and ship discharges that flow directly into the sea.