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2d ago

Plant-Based Polymers Remove Up to 90% of Microplastics from Water

Researchers at Tarleton State University confirm okra and fenugreek extracts outperform synthetic alternatives, offering a sustainable solution to microplastic pollution.

Srinivasan et al. demonstrated that plant-based polysaccharides showed better microplastic removal efficiency than polyacrylamide, which is commercially used for water treatment. Image credit: Srinivasan et al., doi: 10.1021/acsomega.4c07476.

Overview

  • Okra and fenugreek extracts achieved up to 90% microplastic removal in ocean, freshwater, and groundwater tests.
  • The plant-based polymers outperform synthetic polyacrylamide, a common but non-biodegradable water treatment agent.
  • Extraction involves soaking okra pods and fenugreek seeds in water, yielding polysaccharides that bind and sink microplastics.
  • Efficiency varies by water type: okra excels in ocean water (80%), fenugreek in groundwater (80–90%), and a mix in freshwater (77%).
  • Published in ACS Omega, the study highlights a biodegradable, nontoxic alternative for safer water treatment applications.