We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Efficient Extraction of Nanoplastics from Aqueous Media Using Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents: Experimental and Molecular Insights
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists have developed a plant-based solvent, made from thymol and menthol, natural compounds found in herbs and mint, that can pull tiny plastic particles (nanoplastics) out of water with up to 97% efficiency. This matters because nanoplastics are increasingly found in our water supplies and food, and current cleanup methods often rely on harsh chemicals; this greener alternative could offer a safer, more sustainable way to filter these contaminants out before they reach our bodies. While this is still lab-stage research, it's a promising step toward reducing our exposure to plastic pollution in drinking water.
Abstract Microplastics and nanoplastics are persistent contaminants of global concern due to their ubiquity in aquatic systems and their potential ecological and toxicological impacts. Conventional solvent-based extraction methods are often inefficient or environmentally harmful, emphasizing the need for greener alternatives. In this study, natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) composed of thymol (Thy), menthol (Men), and fatty acids were prepared and evaluated for the extraction of polystyrene (PS) nanoplastics from aqueous media. Extraction experiments were performed at 25 °C under controlled agitation, and the influence of pH (3.0–9.0) and solvent composition on extraction efficiency was systematically investigated. The Thy:Men (1:1) system exhibited the highest extraction efficiencies of 97.14 ± 0.49%, 75.35 ± 20.90%, and 78.19 ± 1.36% at pH 3.0, 7.0, and 9.0, respectively, reaching equilibrium after approximately 2 h. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were employed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the extraction process. The results revealed that menthol molecules preferentially accumulate at the water–NADES interface, forming hydrogen bonds with water while engaging in van der Waals interactions with PS. Thymol contributes primarily through π–π stacking interactions with the aromatic backbone of PS, resulting in strong stabilization within the NADES phase.
More Papers Like This
Menthol-based hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents: design, chemical interaction, and performance evaluation for microplastic extraction from salt matrices
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists tested a new, plant-based solvent made from menthol and a fatty acid to pull tiny plastic particles (microplastics) out of salt, and it worked almost as well as the harsh chemical (hydrogen peroxide) currently used for this job, recovering up to 99% of the plastic. This matters because it could lead to safer, more eco-friendly lab methods for detecting microplastics in the food we eat, like table salt, which is an important step toward better understanding how much plastic ends up in our diets.
Nanoplastics Extraction from Water by Hydrophobic Deep Eutectic Solvents
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed an efficient method to extract nanoplastics from water using special solvents called hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents. The best-performing solvents removed nearly all nanoplastics in a single pass, regardless of particle size. This detection and removal technique could help scientists better measure nanoplastic contamination in drinking water and potentially lead to practical water purification solutions.
Mechanisms of Natural Organic Matter Influencing on Coagulation Process for Nanoplastics Removal from Water
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists found a water treatment method that removes over 94% of nanoplastics (tiny plastic particles too small to see) from water using common purification chemicals. However, they discovered that natural substances already in water, like decaying plant matter and proteins from organic material, can significantly weaken this cleanup process, with one protein-based substance cutting removal effectiveness by nearly 30%. This matters because it shows that real-world water treatment plants may need to account for these natural substances to reliably filter out nanoplastics before they reach our drinking water.
Deep eutectic solvent-assisted extraction of chitosan for polyethylene microplastic coagulation
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists used a "green" solvent to extract chitosan (a natural substance from shrimp shells) and turned it into a coagulant that clumps together tiny plastic particles in water, making them easier to filter out. This matters because microplastics are increasingly found in our water and food, and this study shows a more eco-friendly way to potentially remove them, though it still needs testing in real wastewater.
Lignin derived hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents for the extraction of nanoplastics from water
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers synthesized lignin-based hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents (environmentally friendly liquid mixtures) and demonstrated they can extract both polystyrene and PET nanoplastics from water with over 95% efficiency, offering a sustainable approach to nanoplastic detection and removal that avoids conventional synthetic solvents.
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.