Researchers have found that extracts from okra and fenugreek can remove up to 90% of microplastics from water, offering a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to existing, often harmful, methods.
Polysaccharides in Plants: Natural Way to Remove Microplastics From Water
Microplastics – tiny plastic particles polluting our oceans and waterways – are a major environmental concern. These particles, less than 5mm in size, threaten aquatic life and potentially our health. Scientists are constantly searching for effective and sustainable solutions to remove them. Now, exciting new research shows promise in using naturally derived polysaccharides in plant polymers to tackle this problem.
Plant Power: Harnessing Nature’s Cleaning Abilities
Researchers have discovered a surprisingly effective way to remove microplastics from water: using plant-based polysaccharides! These are long chains of sugars found in many plants. Specifically, polysaccharides extracted from fenugreek and okra show great potential as environmentally friendly flocculants. These substances work by binding to microplastics, creating larger clumps that can then be easily filtered out of the water.
How Do Plant-Based Flocculants Work?
The process is all about flocculation, where the polysaccharide molecules act as bridges, linking the microplastic particles together. This aggregation increases the size and weight of the particles, allowing them to settle out of the water more easily. The high molecular weight of these polysaccharides is key to their effectiveness, enabling them to form these bridging structures. Furthermore, specific functional groups like hydroxyl and carboxyl groups enhance the binding process.
The process is surprisingly straightforward. Researchers simply soaked okra and blended fenugreek seeds in water, extracting the sticky polymers. After drying, these extracts were tested, showing incredible efficiency in removing microplastics from both pure and naturally polluted water sources. One gram of either powder in a liter of water proved highly effective, demonstrating the potential for large-scale application.
Sustainable and Efficient
Compared to traditional methods, plant-based flocculants offer several key advantages. They are biodegradable, meaning they break down naturally, unlike many synthetic alternatives. They are also non-toxic, posing less risk to the environment. Moreover, these readily available plant sources offer a cost-effective and sustainable solution to a growing environmental problem. This makes this approach a game changer, especially in developing countries.
Okra worked best in ocean water (80%). While fenugreek excelled in groundwater (80-90%), demonstrating how different environments can affect microplastic types.
The Future of Water Purification
Initial experiments showed that these plant-derived flocculants achieved impressive results. They removed a significant percentage of suspended solids and a substantial portion of total dissolved solids and nutrients. This research indicates a feasible solution for water treatment facilities, both in developed and developing nations.
Adaptable and Accessible
The beauty of this method lies in its versatility. The plant-based flocculants can be used in various forms—as solid powders or in solution—and adapted for different water sources. The extraction and formulation processes are relatively simple, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly.
A Promising Solution to a Growing Problem
The growing concern about microplastic pollution demands innovative solutions, and this research offers a beacon of hope. Using readily available and sustainable polysaccharides in plant resources, it offers a cleaner, more efficient, and cost-effective method for purifying water. This could revolutionize water treatment, particularly in addressing the persistent issue of microplastic contamination.
The development of these plant-derived flocculants represents a significant step forward in microplastic removal. This research highlights the power of bio-based solutions and the potential for natural materials to combat environmental challenges.
Reference
- Srinivasan, R., Bhuju, R., Chraibi, V., Stefan, M. C., Hien, N., Ustundag, D., La Neice Gill, J., Rasmussen, N., Saurenmann, B., Bracerra, J., Fowler, M., White, H., & Azadah, M. (2025). Fenugreek and Okra Polymers as Treatment Agents for the Removal of Microplastics from Water Sources. ACS Omega. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.4c07476
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Neha Adikane holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Science from Pune University, bringing a unique blend of scientific expertise and creative writing skills to her craft. She specializes in creating engaging, insightful, and impactful content across various niches. With a passion for translating complex ideas into simple, relatable narratives, she excels at crafting blogs, articles, website content, and social media posts that captivate readers and drive engagement. Neha’s background in environmental science adds depth to her writing, allowing her to effectively cover topics related to sustainability, eco-awareness, and scientific innovations.