We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Biomass waste-assisted micro(nano)plastics capture, utilization, and storage for sustainable water remediation
AI summary Read the abstract
This study introduced a micro(nano)plastic Capture, Utilization, and Storage (PCUS) concept using surface-modified wood biomass (M-Basswood) to remove a broad range of microplastics from water with over 99.1% efficiency across varying pH and salinity. Captured microplastics were then incorporated as a binding agent in composite boards, while life cycle assessment confirmed the environmental and economic viability of this full-chain approach.
Micro(nano)plastics (MNPs) have become a significant environmental concern due to their widespread presence in the biosphere and potential harm to ecosystems and human health. Here, we propose for the first time a MNPs capture, utilization, and storage (PCUS) concept to achieve MNPs remediation from water while meeting economically productive upcycling and environmentally sustainable plastic waste management. A highly efficient capturing material derived from surface-modified woody biomass waste (M-Basswood) is developed to remove a broad spectrum of multidimensional and compositional MNPs from water. The M-Basswood delivered a high and stable capture efficiency of >99.1% at different pH or salinity levels. This exceptional capture performance is driven by multiscale interactions between M-Basswood and MNPs, involving physical trapping, strong electrostatic attractions, and triggered MNPs cluster-like aggregation sedimentation. Additionally, the in vivo biodistribution of MNPs shows low ingestion and accumulation of MNPs in the mice organs. After MNPs remediation from water, the M-Basswood, together with captured MNPs, is further processed into a high-performance composite board product where MNPs serve as the glue for utilization and storage. Furthermore, the life cycle assessment (LCA) and techno-economic analysis (TEA) results demonstrate the environmental friendliness and economic viability of our proposed full-chain PCUS strategy, promising to drive positive change in plastic pollution and foster a circular economy.
More Papers Like This
A circular "capture-and-upcycle" strategy for micro/nano-plastic remediation: From aquatic pollutants to fire-safe composites
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists created a sponge-like material from wood waste that soaks up huge amounts of tiny plastic particles (microplastics and nanoplastics) from water — a pollution problem tied to potential health risks since these particles can end up in our bodies through drinking water and food. Instead of throwing away the used sponge material, the researchers found a clever way to press it into strong, fire-resistant building materials, turning a pollution cleanup byproduct into something useful rather than more waste. This "capture-and-reuse" approach offers a promising path for tackling microplastic contamination without creating new disposal problems.
Flowthrough Capture of Microplastics through Polyphenol‐Mediated Interfacial Interactions on Wood Sawdust
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers created a plant-based water filter using wood sawdust coated with polyphenols (natural plant compounds) that captures over 99.9% of nano- and microplastics from water in a single pass. The filter works on many types and sizes of plastics and can be cleaned and reused multiple times. This bio-based approach could offer a practical, low-cost solution for removing plastic contamination from drinking water.
Environmental aspects of restoring the environment: nanotechnology for removing micro and nanoplastics from water
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed a plasma chemical water purification method that combines modified humic substances with high-voltage electrical discharge to aggregate and magnetically remove micro- and nanoplastics from contaminated water. Tested on wastewater from a printing facility, the method outperformed conventional sorption or plasma treatment alone and showed promise for simultaneously removing plastics, heavy metals, and organic pollutants. This offers a potentially scalable technology for treating industrial wastewater sources that are currently releasing nanoplastics to the environment.
Rapid removal of small particle-sized microplastics utilizing superhydrophobic wood membranes
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed a superhydrophobic wood membrane that achieves 99.6% removal efficiency for microplastics smaller than 10 micrometers. The membrane, created by treating wood with methyltrichlorosilane, maintained its performance across varying water flow rates and demonstrated excellent reusability and environmental friendliness. The study offers a practical and sustainable filtration solution for removing the smallest and most difficult-to-capture microplastics from water.
Scalable Bamboo Fiber/Microfibrillated Cellulose Foam via Solvent‐Exchange‐Assisted Ambient Drying for Highly Efficient Microplastics Capture
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed a scalable bamboo fiber and microfibrillated cellulose foam for capturing microplastics from water, achieving 99.4% filtration efficiency with high flow rates. The foam was fabricated using an energy-efficient ambient drying process without toxic crosslinkers, and demonstrated excellent reusability and effectiveness across various plastic types and real water samples. The study presents a sustainable, high-performance approach to microplastic remediation in aquatic environments.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.