We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Adhesion‐Driven Removal of Microplastics From Aquatic Systems by Using Microgel Glues
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers designed a polymeric microgel 'glue' that adheres to dispersed microplastics—including particles as small as 50 nm—driving their directional migration to solid-liquid interfaces where they co-precipitate into removable sediments, achieving over 90% removal efficiency for polystyrene, polyethylene, polypropylene, and PET across multiple plastic types.
Microplastics (MPs) in aquatic ecosystems represent an escalating environmental challenge. Particularly, those with particle sizes below 1 µm exhibit strong Brownian motion and stable surface hydration layers, which hinder aggregation and render them exceptionally difficult to remove. Inspired by biological adhesion, we propose an adhesion-driven co-precipitation strategy that utilizes a soft polymeric microgel as a "glue" to aggregate dispersed MPs. Upon adhesion, MPs undergo directional transport toward solid-liquid interfaces, where they accumulate into removable sediments. This adhesion-driven interfacial deposition and co-precipitation allows effective enrichment and physical separation of various types of microplastics, e.g., polystyrene (PS), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Remarkably, efficient removal (>90%) is retained even for nanoscale plastic particles as small as 50 nm. This strategy thus provides a broadly applicable and environmentally sustainable route for microplastic remediation in aquatic environments.
More Papers Like This
Molecular Mechanisms Governing the Adsorption, Deposition, and Removal of Environmentally Aged Microplastics by Engineered Surfaces
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists figured out how tiny plastic particles that have been weathered in the environment stick to different surfaces, then used this knowledge to create a new material that can remove over 92% of these microplastics from water. This breakthrough could lead to better filters and cleanup systems to remove microplastics from drinking water and the environment. Since microplastics are found everywhere from our food to our bloodstream, having effective ways to remove them could help protect human health.
Using Adhesives to Capture Microplastics from Water
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed an approach using pressure-sensitive adhesives to capture microplastics from water, demonstrating a practical method for preventing microplastic release into aquatic environments rather than attempting environmental remediation.
A StraightforwardApproach for the Removal of Microplasticsfrom Water: Utilization of SLIPS
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers demonstrated for the first time that slippery liquid-infused porous surfaces (SLIPS) can rapidly and efficiently remove polystyrene microplastics from water, with the slippery surface capturing particles through size-independent adhesion without requiring filters or chemical treatment.
Functional Polymeric Materials for Micro- and Nanoplastic Removal from Waters
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers reviewed functional polymeric materials — including hydrogels, polysaccharide aerogels, magnetic composites, and MOF-polymer systems — designed to remove micro- and nanoplastics from water, cataloguing how electrostatic, hydrophobic, and π–π stacking interactions drive removal and identifying scalability, fouling resistance, and standardization as the main barriers to real-world application.
A new approach for the agglomeration and subsequent removal of polyethylene, polypropylene, and mixtures of both from freshwater systems – a case study
AI summary Read the abstract
A two-step pH-based process was developed to make polyethylene and polypropylene microplastic particles clump together and sink in fresh water, enabling their physical removal. This approach offers a potentially practical and chemical-free method for removing microplastics from freshwater systems.
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.