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Microplastic removal from water using mucilage extracted from Opuntia ficus-indica as a natural bio-coagulant
Summary
Scientists found that a slimy substance extracted from prickly pear cactus (the same plant used in some skincare products) can pull tiny plastic particles out of water, removing up to 87% of microplastics in lab tests. This matters because microplastics are increasingly showing up in our drinking water and bodies, and current water treatment methods often miss them—so this cheap, plant-based approach could offer a more accessible way to filter out plastic contamination before it reaches our taps.
MP pollution has emerged as a critical environmental concern, posing significant risks to aquatic ecosystems and human health. Conventional treatment processes often fail to remove MPs efficiently, highlighting the need for sustainable and cost-effective alternatives. This study investigates the potential of Opuntia ficus-indica mucilage as a natural, eco-friendly coagulant for the effective removal of polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) MPs from water. Experiments were designed using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) to assess the influence of operational parameters, including MPs concentration, mucilage dosage, contact time, and settling time. Laboratory-scale trials were conducted with Opuntia ficus-indica mucilage doses of 30, 65, and 100 mL under varying experimental conditions. The results indicated that removal efficiency increased with dosage up to an optimum level, followed by a decline due to overdosing effects. Maximum removal efficiencies were observed at 65 mL, achieving 77.14% for PE, 83.33% for PET, and 86.67% for PS. SEM analysis revealed floc formation through polymer bridging and adhesion, while EDX confirmed the presence of mucilage-derived elements on MP surfaces. The findings demonstrate that Opuntia ficus-indica mucilage is an effective, eco-friendly coagulant for MP removal, offering a promising sustainable approach for water treatment applications.