One of the major sources of this environmental contaminant are the pods used for washing machines and dishwashers. The project goal is to reduce or eliminate the PVA from these pods before it enters the water ways.
This project will design and build a device that can be added to washing machines, dishwashers and sinks to break down the PVA from soap pods. The device will be based on experimental methods that have been shown viable for PVA destruction. Multiple catalyst types and configurations will be evaluated.
We want to generate a product that will degrade PVA products used in household appliances to reduce the amount of microplastics that flow into public water systems. Our goal is to innovate an installable addition to either a dishwasher or washing machine that can neutralize the majority of microplastics. The intent is to develop a commercialized product that can be integrated into existing appliances or attached as an external unit by the consumer.