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Tailored cellulose-based flocculants for microplastics removal: Mechanistic insights, pH influence, and efficiency optimization
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Researchers developed plant-derived (cellulose-based) flocculants that clump microplastics together so they can be more easily removed from water, finding that a low concentration of 0.001 g/mL was optimal and that both electrical charge and water-repelling interactions drive the process depending on the type of plastic.
This study explores the performance of novel cellulose-derived sustainable flocculants in the flocculation of different model microplastics (MPs), including polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The influence of key parameters, such as pH, flocculant structure and concentration was evaluated by Laser Diffraction Spectroscopy (LDS) and optical microscopy to access their effects on flocculation performance, kinetics and floc structure. The results reveal that a bioflocculant concentration of 0.001 g·mL −1 is ideal for effective flocculation, as lower concentrations lead to insufficient floc growth. While electrostatic interactions are a dominant factor in the flocculation process, the study also highlights the role of hydrophobic interactions, its contribution depending on the characteristics of the MPs. Overall, this research highlights the importance of understanding the key interactions governing the flocculation process. It further paves the way for designing and fine-tuning cellulose-based flocculants with improved efficiency and optimized dosages for effective MPs removal strategies. • Cellulose derivatives developed were used as flocculants in microplastics removal. • Bio-flocculants developed included both cationic and hydrophobic moieties. • MPs flocculation kinetics and evolution of flocs structure with time assessed by LDS. • It was possible to design the bio-flocculants to remove different types of model MPs.
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Researchers optimized the coagulation-flocculation process — a standard water treatment step where chemicals cause particles to clump and settle — for removing three types of microplastics: polypropylene, polyethylene, and polystyrene. Polystyrene was removed most efficiently, and adjusting pH, coagulant type, and dosage significantly improved removal rates, providing practical guidance for upgrading existing water treatment plants to better capture microplastics.
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A comprehensive review of coagulation as a technique for microplastics removal from water
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Coagulation using inorganic, synthetic organic, and natural bio-coagulants can effectively remove microplastics from water, with removal efficiency dependent on coagulant type, particle characteristics, and operating conditions. Scaling up coagulation-based treatment is critical for reducing the microplastic load in drinking water and preventing further human dietary exposure.
Microplastic removal by coagulation: a review of optimizing the reaction conditions and mechanisms
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This review examines recent advances in using coagulation to remove microplastics from water and wastewater, analyzing how factors like coagulant type, dosage, pH, and particle shape affect removal efficiency. Researchers found that optimizing these reaction conditions is critical for maximizing microplastic removal while reducing energy costs. The study highlights significant knowledge gaps in understanding the mechanisms behind coagulation-based microplastic removal and calls for more extensive research.
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