To Remove Microplastics From Wastewater, Scientists Used Okra and Aloe

Many cuisines rely on okra to thicken their soups and stews. In the fight against water pollution, the utilisation of okra, psyllium, cactus, and aloe are making huge strides. Some solid and some dissolved pollutants can be removed from water and wastewater by the goo produced by these facilities.

Using a mixture of food-grade extracts from plants, scientists have discovered a novel way to eradicate microplastics from wastewater.

At the American Chemical Society’s spring meeting, researchers will share their findings.

Studies show that people unwittingly swallow thousands of microplastics each year, but the health consequences of consuming them are not yet understood.

The project’s chief scientist claimed that while microplastics may not pose a significant health danger, substances that seep into or adhere to microplastics could enter the body and cause harm.

It is common practise to remove microplastics from wastewater in two stages: In the beginning, only the water-loving ones are kept in place. Microplastic pollution can only be reduced to a little extent by this method. Remove the residual microplastics by adding flocculants, sticky chemicals that attract and clump together microplastics. Once the clusters have been decontaminated, they may be isolated from one another.

Because some of the compounds employed to eradicate pollutants are potentially dangerous, the research team has been looking for safe alternatives. Polyacrylamide, a typical flocculant, for example, may be broken down into harmful compounds under specific circumstances. Thus, if potentially dangerous compounds are introduced to remove the contaminants, this does not assist to clean the water.