Harnessing basil seeds potential (Ocimum basilicum) for effective microplastic removal from wastewater

• Basil seed mucilage tested for microplastic removal from real wastewater • Optimization used synthetic water with PP, LDPE, HDPE, PET, and PS. • Best results with 100 mg dose, 24 h contact time, and 1000 rpm centrifuge • Blue fibers (94%) and PET (58%) were most frequently captured MPs • Basil seeds show eco-friendly potential for microplastic filtration Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous environmental contaminants, and their removal from waterways has been challenging due to their small size. This study investigates the use of Ocimum basilicum (basil) seed mucilage to filter MPs from wastewater samples of laundry, textile, and agricultural origin. Specific operational parameters were first optimized using synthetic wastewater spiked with common polymers: polypropylene (PP), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polystyrene (PS). Real wastewater was then treated under two experimental conditions: 50 mg dose with 6 hours contact time versus 100 mg dose with 24 hours contact time. The basil seed-assisted MP removal efficiency was compared. A centrifugation speed of 1000 rpm, a basil seed dose of 100 mg, and a contact time of 24 hours yielded significant removal of MPs from the samples. Subsequent characterization of MPs trapped in the seed mucilage revealed that blue color (32%) and fiber shape (94%) were the most predominant fractions, while PET was the most frequently detected polymer (58%). The study underscores the potential of Ocimum basilicum seeds as an eco-friendly method for MP removal from water. However, further investigations are required to confirm these promising findings and optimize the process for broader application.