Scientists at the University of São Paulo have unveiled a pioneering technique to remove stubborn micro- and nanoplastics from water, providing a hopeful solution to a critical environmental issue.
In a significant breakthrough, scientists at the University of São Paulo in Brazil have developed a cutting-edge, nanotechnology-based method to remove micro- and nanoplastics from water. Their research, published in the journal Micron, is poised to make waves in environmental conservation efforts worldwide.
Microplastics, defined as plastic fragments up to 1 millimeter in size, and nanoplastics, which are a thousand times smaller, are pervasive pollution threats in today’s world. They contaminate soil, water and air, and have even been detected in the human brain. The minuscule size of these particles makes them particularly challenging to filter out from wastewater. As a result, they end up infiltrating ecosystems and entering the food chain, creating potentially serious health risks.
“Nanoparticles aren’t visible to the naked eye or detectable using conventional microscopes, so they’re very hard to identify and remove from water treatment systems,” last author Henrique Eisi Toma, a professor of chemistry, said in a news release.
The innovative procedure involves magnetic nanoparticles functionalized with polydopamine, a polymer akin to dopamine found in humans. These nanoparticles latch onto plastic particles in the water, which are subsequently extracted using a magnetic field.
“Polydopamine is a substance that mimics the adhesive properties of mussels, which cling very tenaciously to many surfaces. It adheres firmly to fragments of plastic in water and enables the magnetic nanoparticles to capture them. This undesirable material can then be removed from the water with a magnet,” Toma added.
This new method not only efficiently removes microplastics and nanoplastics but also aims to degrade them using specific enzymes. One such enzyme, lipase, can break down polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a common plastic material, into its basic components, which can then be reused to create new plastic products.
“Our goal isn’t just to remove plastic from water but also to contribute to its recycling in a sustainable manner,” added Toma.
The degradation of PET, used in products ranging from bottles to textiles, generates terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol — both of which are toxic. The application of lipase decomposes PET into reusable monomers, thus addressing both pollution and recycling challenges simultaneously.
Another aspect of the study highlights the ubiquity and complexity of plastic pollution. Toma pointed out that even bottled mineral water might be more contaminated by microplastics than treated tap water due to a lack of filtration and other treatments.
The challenge posed by microplastics is vast, but Toma remains optimistic, urging continued research and government action to combat this pressing issue. The novel nanotechnology offers a promising solution to a problem of increasing global concern.
In this pioneering study, the potential for a more sustainable and effective way to tackle plastic pollution shines through, providing hope for cleaner oceans and a healthier planet.