Sportfix®Clean against plastic pollution in water bodies

Artificial turf surfaces are a type of plastic carpet. When playing on the surfaces, the EPDM granulate (the material used for infilled artificial turf) and the synthetic grass fibres are exposed to repeated strain. The mechanical wear from higher tread loads - as created during football or rugby - causes tiny particles or blades of artificial grass to break off. This amounts to 250 to 300 kg per year for modern sports fields. These particles need to be prevented from entering the natural water cycle, and finally the food chain, via rainwater draining off the pitch. Research over the last few years has shown that microplastics, which are now present in large quantities in the world’s oceans, have also already entered our food chain. The health consequences are not yet known. In order to prevent water pollution, the plastic particles must be filtered out of the collected surface water before it is passed on.

Sportfix®Clean channels offer a simple but extraordinarily simple solution. The channels do not only safely collect surface water flowing off the sports field contaminated with microplastics, but also larger microplastic parts transported to and collected along the edge of the pitch while playing. The water is collected and drained off in the channel run. At the same time, it is lead through the channel filter and filtered. The filter substrate used, Carbotec 60, is able to permanently retain the finest particles with sizes down to 0.45 µm.

This channel filter functions according to the principle of surface filtration. It is therefore twice as effective: not only plastic parts are retained on the filter surface, but also pollutants such as heavy metals or hydrocarbons. The system has been proven to work reliably over very long periods. Long maintenance intervals and simple cleaning represent additional benefits. After many years of use, filter cake forms on the surface of the filter. This is stripped off during maintenance and then only the filter substrate that was removed is replenished.

Whether on a hockey field or football pitch – wherever artificial turf surfaces are used, drainage systems are also usually required. In addition to safe drainage, Sportfix®Clean channels also offer a simple way to filter the waste water and permanent retention of microplastics and pollutants. This economical filter system can also be installed at existing facilities.