This invention offers a new and sustainable solution to the global microplastic pollution problem.
Chinese scientists have successfully developed a type of sponge that can remove up to 99.8% of microplastics from water.
Microplastics are tiny particles that degrade from plastic pollution sources, posing risks to human health and ecosystems (Photo: Getty).
This breakthrough research paves the way for a cost-effective solution to address pollution from plastic particles that are believed to be harmful to human health.
The low-cost sponge technology is based on two types of sustainable biomass: chitin and cellulose, which are used as absorbents.
Initially, researchers extracted chitin from squid and cellulose from cotton fibers. The two substances were combined to form a material called Ct-Cel, which effectively removes microplastics from water.
According to a publication in the journal Science Advances, the material successfully removed 89.9% to 99.8% of polystyrene from water in samples with varying concentrations.
This method also proved effective in extracting other types of microplastics, such as polymethyl methacrylate, polypropylene, and polyethylene terephthalate.
Notably, the material’s ability to capture microplastics is almost unaffected by the presence of common contaminants, such as heavy metals, microorganisms, or organic pollutants.
According to studies, there are currently 6.3 billion tons of polymer waste globally. Of this, only about 9% of plastic waste can be recycled (Photo: SCMP).
In their experiments, researchers demonstrated the effectiveness of the sponge on various water samples, ranging from agricultural irrigation water, lake water, tap water for domestic use, to coastal water.
According to the researchers, this invention provides a new and sustainable solution to the microplastic pollution problem, as the material can be recycled and retains over 95% of its absorption capacity after multiple uses.
Microplastics are tiny particles that degrade from sources of plastic pollution, such as plastic bottles, utensils, medical items, and clothing made from synthetic fibers.
Today, microplastics are widely found in cosmetic products, food, and drinking water. They infiltrate organs in the body and have even been detected in the human brain.
What’s concerning is that humans can ingest or inhale them without realizing it, leading to various health risks, including increased cancer rates, poor fetal development, and reduced fertility.
