A Simple Method Removes Over 98% of Nanoplastic Particles from Water

Microplastics have been discovered in the Arctic sea and even trapped in the ice. The Mariana Trench, the deepest part of the ocean, is contaminated with plastic debris, and Mount Everest has also been found to have microplastic pollution.

Our drinking water and food, particularly processed items in single-use packaging, contain microplastics. Recent research has detected microplastics in human blood, lungs, liver, and kidneys, and even in the placentas of unborn babies.

New Findings on Microplastics and Human Health Risks

Studies on the harmful health effects of microplastics in the human body are only now emerging. Evidence is beginning to link microplastics to respiratory, gastrointestinal, endocrine, developmental, and reproductive issues, as well as cancers.

Micro and nanoplastics are pervasive, but researchers from the University of Missouri have developed a relatively simple and safe method to remove over 98% of nanoplastic particles from water.

Innovative Solvent Technique for Nanoplastic Removal

Researchers used non-toxic, hydrophobic natural ingredients to create a liquid solvent that floats on water like oil. When mixed with water and then allowed to separate again, this solvent rises to the surface, bringing over 98% of nanoplastic contaminants with it.

The solvent can then be easily skimmed off, along with the contaminants. Due to its hydrophobic properties, there’s minimal risk of leaving behind any eutectic solvent contamination.

“Our approach uses a small amount of specially designed solvent to capture plastic particles from a large volume of water,” explains Gary Baker, an associate professor in the Department of Chemistry at Mizzou.

“At present, the full capacity of these solvents isn’t fully understood. In future research, we plan to determine the solvent’s maximum capacity and explore ways to recycle it for reuse multiple times if needed.”

Existing Methods for Microplastic Removal from Drinking Water

We currently have several methods to remove microplastics from drinking water, depending on their size. Basic activated carbon filters, such as those in Brita systems, aren’t specifically designed to remove microplastics but are relatively effective at filtering out particles larger than five microns.

Multi-stage sediment filters with a one-micron pore size work well for this purpose. Reverse osmosis, which forces water through pores as small as one ten-thousandth of a micron, is among the best techniques for eliminating all types of contaminants from water, although these systems can get clogged and require regular maintenance.

Distillation is nearly 100% effective at removing microplastics, but it also removes beneficial minerals that our bodies need.

This new method provides another tool for removing microplastics and is effective in both fresh and seawater.

Read the original article on: New Atlas

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