A new way to remove nanoplastics from water: Researchers at the University of Missouri have developed a new method to remove microplastics and nanoplastics from water, according to a study published in ACS Applied Engineering Materials journal. The technique uses natural, low-toxicity liquid ingredients to extract microscopic pollutants from both fresh and salt water, achieving a removal rate of around 98% for nanoscopic polystyrene beads.

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How does it work? The process involves a specially engineered solvent that floats on the water’s surface similar to oil. When mixed, this solvent captures microscopic plastics and brings them to the surface. Researchers then use a pipette to remove the top layer of liquid, effectively extracting nearly all nanoplastic beads from the water samples. In salt water, the method proved even more effective, removing 99.8% of polystyrene pollutants.

Why does it matter? Nanoplastics — tiny non-biodegradable particles that can carry harmful chemicals — can contaminate marine and land ecosystems, harming both wildlife and humans as the particles can end up in the food we consume, the study explains. Studies have also found that the level of nanoplastics found in tap and bottled water can reach an estimated 240k particles per litre of bottled water, potentially causing major health problems.

So what’s next? The new method revealed by the study demonstrates a cost-effective and potentially sustainable solution to the nanoplastics problem, according to the researchers, who are calling for further research to bonducted to understand how the technique could be adapted to clean water or other pollutants, such as forever chemicals. Future research should also focus on determining the maximum capacity of the solvent and exploring methods to recycle it for multiple uses, the study concluded.

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