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Microplastic removal from water using mucilage extracted from Opuntia ficus-indica as a natural bio-coagulant
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Scientists found that a slimy substance extracted from prickly pear cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica) can naturally pull tiny plastic particles out of water, removing up to 87% of certain microplastics in lab tests. This matters because microplastics in our drinking water are a growing health concern, and current water treatment methods struggle to filter them out—this cactus-based approach could offer a cheap, natural, and eco-friendly alternative to help keep plastics out of the water we drink.
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.
More Papers Like This
Microplastic removal from water using mucilage extracted from Opuntia ficus-indica as a natural bio-coagulant
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists found that a slimy substance extracted from prickly pear cactus (called mucilage) can naturally pull tiny plastic particles out of water, removing up to 87% of certain microplastics in lab tests. This matters because microplastics in drinking water are a growing health worry, and this plant-based approach could offer a cheap, eco-friendly alternative to chemical treatments for cleaning up our water supply.
Microplastic removal from water using mucilage extracted from Opuntia ficus-indica as a natural bio-coagulant
AI summary Read the abstract
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.
Coagulation−flocculation for removal of microplastics: Dosage reduction while efficiency improvement with a water-borne bio-flocculant
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Scientists developed a plant-based additive made from jute (a natural fiber) that helps water treatment plants remove over 90% of tiny plastic particles from water—while using far fewer chemicals than current methods. This matters because microplastics are increasingly found in our drinking water and have been linked to potential health concerns, so a cheaper, greener way to filter them out could make water treatment safer and more sustainable for communities everywhere.
Efficient removal of polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride microplastics from water using a modified coagulation process supported by the addition of a surfactant
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Scientists found a way to remove tiny plastic particles (microplastics) from tap water more effectively by adding a soap-like ingredient called a surfactant to the standard water treatment process. This tweak boosted plastic removal to over 95%, which matters because microplastics have been showing up in our drinking water and bodies, and better filtering methods could help reduce our exposure to them before they even reach the tap.
Coagulation-assisted removal of polystyrene microplastics from aqueous solution using amine-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes with okra extract
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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.
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