ACUA Microplastic Removal Project
The World’s First Commercial Microplastic Filtration System for Municipal Wastewater Treatment
Project Information
On October 20th, 2026, the Atlantic County Utilities Authority (ACUA) and PolyGone Systems launch the world’s first commercial, permanent municipal-scale treatment system specifically designed to remove microplastics from wastewater. Located at ACUA’s City Island Treatment Plant in Atlantic City, the project represents a major transition from research and pilot-scale microplastic removal to full-scale, permanent treatment infrastructure.
The project builds on a partnership between ACUA and PolyGone that began in May 2022 to quantify microplastics in treated wastewater and evaluate practical methods for removing them before discharge. Building on positive results, ACUA and PolyGone now advance the technology into a permanent commercial treatment operation through the installation of two automated PolyPod™ systems.
Site Information
The project site is located at a 40 million gallon per day wastewater treatment facility run by ACUA in Atlantic City, NJ. The facility accepts wastewater collected from 14 municipalities in Atlantic County as well as additional sludge/biosolids, grease, scum, dried municipal sludge and leachate for treatment and disposal.
PolyGone’s microplastic removal project is located at the effluent channel into the equalization basin
Partnerships
PolyGone Systems is the leading team and technology provider for this commercial-scale project.
The Atlantic County Utilities Authority is responsible for enhancing the quality of life through the protection of waters and lands from pollution by providing responsible waste management services. The Authority is an environmental leader and will continue to use new technologies, innovations and employee ideas to provide the highest quality and most cost effective environmental services.
The project is made possible through financing from the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank.
The pilot project is funded by NJCSIT Pilot CleanTech Demonstration Grant Program.