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Octopus-like biomass-based flocculant for broad-spectrum water purification
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Researchers developed a novel biomass-based flocculant shaped like an octopus that can remove a wide range of water contaminants in a single treatment step. The material, built from lignin with multiple functional arms, effectively captured microplastics, heavy metals, organic dyes, and other pollutants that conventional flocculants struggle to address. The approach offers a more efficient and environmentally friendly alternative for water purification.
Flocculation plays a critical role in water purification, directly influencing treatment efficiency and costs. Conventional flocculants primarily target colloids and particulates but exhibit limited efficacy against dissolved organic compounds and emerging contaminants, leading to increased downstream treatment costs. Here, we present an innovative octopus-like biomass-based flocculant (OBF) designed for efficient, one-step removal of a broad-spectrum of water contaminants. The structure of OBF harnesses lignin's interfacial interactions (hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic interactions, and π-π interactions) combined with the electrostatic attraction of cationic branches, achieving removal efficiencies exceeding 90% for humic acid, kaolin, microplastics, and bacteria (96.1% Escherichia coli, 100% Staphylococcus aureus), alongside 98.8% microalgae harvesting. In practical applications, OBF reduced lake water turbidity to 0.75 NTU and municipal wastewater chemical oxygen demand (COD) by 85.2%, surpassing the performance of conventional flocculants. With low toxicity, broad pH adaptability, and sustainable biomass sourcing, OBF offers a scalable, cost-effective solution for water treatment. The structural design and interfacial modulation of this graft polymer represent a significant advance in multifunctional water purification technologies.
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