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Magnetic γ-alumina derived from aluminum dross as a sustainable material for polyvinyl chloride microplastic remediation
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Researchers turned waste from aluminum production into magnetic materials, then tested them in water on PVC microplastic particles that had been aged by UV light. One version removed 87% of the microplastics, and this worked across different water acidity levels, temperatures, and salt conditions, with no harmful substances released.
ABSTRACT This study explores the upcycling of aluminum dross into magnetic g-alumina (MGA) material via co-precipitation, followed by calcination at 600 °C and 900 °C to yield gamma alulmina precursors with Al 2 O 3 purities of 79.2 wt% and 91.3 wt%, respectively. These two precursors were subsequently magnetically modified via co-precipitation to produce two magnetic material variants, MGA-600 and MGA-900. MGA-600 exhibits a BET surface area of 243.1 m 2 /g and saturation magnetization of 10 emu/g, whereas MGA-900 demonstrates a surface area and saturation magnetization of 131.43 m 2 /g and 40 emu/g, respectively. The materials were applied to UV-aged polyvinyl chloride (PVC) microplastics in aqueous media, achieving removal efficiencies of 87% for MGA-600 and 76% for MGA-900. Removal efficiency remained robust across pH (5 to 9), temperature (30°C, 40°C, 50°C), and ionic variations (NaCl presence). Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and field-emission scanning electron microscopy revealed surface functionalization of PVC and strong MGA adhesion, indicating that synergistic hydrogen bonding, halogen interactions, and metal-ligand coordination contribute to the removal mechanism. No hazardous elements were released during the process. This study demonstrates a scalable circular material approach that transforms industrial waste into high-performance magnetic materials for sustainable microplastic remediation.
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Synthesis of polyvinyl chloride modified magnetic hydrochar for effective removal of Pb(II) and bisphenol A from aqueous phase: performance and mechanism exploration
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Scientists created a new material by combining PVC plastic waste with corn straw and iron oxide to make a magnetic filter that can remove lead and bisphenol A from water. The material worked well across a wide range of water conditions and could be reused multiple times. While focused on water cleanup technology, this research shows how recycled plastic waste can be repurposed to help address water contamination, including pollutants often associated with microplastics.
Application of Surface-Modified Natural Magnetite as a Magnetic Carrier for Microplastic Removal from Water
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Researchers modified natural magnetite — a common iron mineral — with a hydrophobic chemical coating so it would stick to plastic particles in water, then used magnets to pull everything out. When applied to six common plastic types including polyethylene and polystyrene, finely-ground treated magnetite removed over 90% of the microplastics. This low-cost, naturally-sourced approach could offer a scalable method for cleaning microplastics from water supplies.
Sustainable Strategy for Microplastic Mitigation: Fe3O4 Acid-Functionalized Magnetic Nanoparticles for Microplastics Removal
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Scientists created magnetic nanoparticles coated with citric acid that can remove up to 80% of common microplastics (polyethylene and polypropylene) from water using a simple magnetic separation process. The material can be reused up to five times while still maintaining over 50% removal efficiency. This type of reusable, low-impact technology could help water treatment facilities better remove microplastics, reducing the amount that reaches drinking water supplies.
Durable Superhydrophobic Coating for Efficient Microplastic Removal
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Researchers developed a durable superhydrophobic (water-repelling) coating on aluminum that can efficiently capture and remove microplastic particles from water. The coating attracted microplastics at high removal rates and remained effective over multiple use cycles. This type of material could be incorporated into water treatment systems or filtration devices to reduce microplastic contamination in drinking water and wastewater.
Efficient removal of microplastics from aqueous solution by a novel magnetic biochar: performance, mechanism, and reusability
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