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Coagulation-assisted removal of polystyrene microplastics from aqueous solution using amine-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes with okra extract
Summary
Scientists found a way to pull tiny plastic particles (called microplastics) out of water using specially treated carbon nanotubes combined with okra extract, a natural, plant-based ingredient — removing about 80% of the plastic in lab tests. This matters because microplastics are showing up in our water supplies and bodies, and this greener, more efficient filtering method could eventually help clean drinking water before it reaches your tap. That said, this was tested in controlled lab conditions, so more research is needed to confirm it works in real-world water and doesn't leave behind any nanotube residue of its own.
Polystyrene microplastics (PS MPs) are widely distributed in aquatic environments and pose ecological and potential human-health risks. This study investigated the coagulation-assisted removal of PS MPs using MWCNTs@NH 2 in combination with okra extract as a natural coagulant aid. A Box–Behnken design was used to evaluate the effects of MWCNTs@NH 2 dose (0.2–1 g/L), initial PS concentration (50–400 mg/L), and pH (4–10), while maintaining the okra extract concentration at 0.5% (w/v). The maximum removal efficiency of 80.5% was achieved at 0.6 g/L MWCNTs@NH 2 , 400 mg/L PS, and pH 10. The removal mechanism involved partial charge neutralization, interparticle bridging by okra polysaccharides, hydrophobic interaction between PS and the graphitic CNT backbone, and floc enmeshment. The combined use of MWCNTs@NH 2 and okra extract reduced the required nanomaterial dose and improved floc formation. The proposed hybrid coagulation system offers a natural-coagulant-assisted strategy for PS MP removal, although further validation in real water matrices and assessment of residual nanotube release are required.