In a significant advancement for environmental science, researchers at Tarleton State University have demonstrated that natural polymers derived from common plants, specifically okra and fenugreek, can effectively remove microplastics from various water sources. This breakthrough addresses the growing concern of microplastic pollution, which has permeated oceans, rivers, and drinking water supplies.
Published in the journal ACS Omega, the study reveals that these plant extracts can eliminate up to 90 percent of microplastics from ocean, freshwater, and groundwater. The research focuses on utilizing polysaccharides—sticky natural polymers found in plants—to aggregate microplastics, facilitating their removal from water.
To create the plant powders, researchers soaked sliced okra and blended fenugreek seeds in water overnight. The resulting dissolved polymers were extracted and dried into powdered form, rich in polysaccharides ideal for microplastic removal. Initial experiments using distilled water indicated that one gram of the plant powder could remove significant amounts of microplastics within an hour, with fenugreek achieving a removal rate of 93 percent and okra 67 percent. A combination of both powders reached 70 percent efficiency in just 30 minutes.
When applied to real-world water samples from Texas, the effectiveness varied by water type. Okra proved most efficient in ocean water, removing 80 percent of microplastics, while fenugreek excelled in groundwater with removal rates between 80 and 90 percent. The combination was most effective in freshwater, with a 77 percent removal rate.
Unlike synthetic chemicals such as polyacrylamide, which are commonly used in wastewater treatment but carry their own health risks, these plant-based powders offer a biodegradable and nontoxic alternative. This method promises to reduce long-term health risks associated with water treatment while addressing the urgent issue of microplastic pollution.
Funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, the Welch Foundation, and the National Science Foundation, this research exemplifies how traditional agricultural knowledge can intersect with modern science to create innovative solutions for environmental challenges.
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