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Hexahydroxyl–Triptycene–Copper Core–Shell Nanospheres for Removal of Microplastics, Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria, and Hypoxia-Causing Agents from Water
Original title: Hexahydroxyl–Triptycene–Copper Core–Shell Nanospheres for Removal of Microplastics, Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria, and Hypoxia-Causing Agents from Water
Summary
Scientists have developed tiny sponge-like nanoparticles that can pull nearly all microplastics, drug-resistant bacteria, and oxygen-depleting pollutants out of contaminated river water in lab tests. This matters because current water treatment methods struggle to catch these combined threats, which can end up in our drinking water and bodies; this new material could offer a more effective and reusable way to clean water before these contaminants reach us.
Microplastic (MP) pollution presents a significant environmental and health hazard, particularly when coupled with hypoxia-causing agents (HCAs) and antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) in aquatic systems. Conventional water purification methods are insufficient to address the complexity of MPs and their associated contaminants. This study presents a hybrid approach to fabricate core–shell nanospheres for the targeted and efficient removal of MPs, HCAs, and ARB from polluted river water. Comprehensive characterization using size analyzer, surface analysis, dosimetry, charge distribution, electron microscopy imaging, and kinetic studies confirms the enhanced binding efficacy and functionalities of the nanospheres. Taking advantage of the configuration and selective attachment, the nanospheres with 40 nm size display nearly 100% removal efficiencies for microplastics, antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB), and HCA from polluted water outperforming the surfactant functionalized and pristine nanospheres. The recyclability and high selectivity of these nanospheres highlight their strong potential as a sustainable solution for microplastic remediation and broader water decontamination applications.