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Valorization of orange peel pectin for efficient polyethylene microplastic removal: A circular bio-flocculation process
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Researchers developed a bio-flocculation process using pectin extracted from orange peels combined with iron ions to remove polyethylene microplastics from water. The approach achieved high removal efficiency for microplastics ranging from 0.5 to 125 micrometers, demonstrating a circular and sustainable alternative to conventional microplastic removal methods.
Microplastics (MPs) have emerged as pervasive pollutants posing significant risks to ecosystems and human health. Current removal strategies, such as filtration, coagulation, and biological degradation, are limited by material specificity, operational costs, and incomplete capture of smaller MPs. This study presents an innovative bio-flocculation approach employing pectin extracted from orange peel to enhance the removal of polyethylene (PE) MPs (0.5–125 µm) through synergistic interactions with Fe³⁺ ions. Response surface methodology (RSM) and ANOVA confirmed the goodness of fitting of the developed quadratic model (F = 109.21, p < 0.0001, R² = 0.94), with pectin dosage identified as the most influential parameter (F = 130.17, p < 0.0001). The process exhibited strong quadratic dependence on both dosage and pH, indicating an optimal pH near neutrality and diminishing returns at higher dosages. Under optimized conditions (pectin = 25–30 mg, pH ≈ 7, time ≈ 90 min), the removal efficiency ranged from 94.0–96.1 ± 0.6%. The results demonstrate that pectin effectively bridges MPs and Fe³⁺ via electrostatic and hydrogen-bonding interactions, enabling rapid, energy-efficient aggregation. The use of pectin from oranges could provide a scalable, low-carbon solution for mitigating MP pollution, valorize agricultural waste streams, and contribute directly to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through the advancement of circular and green chemistry practices.
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Removal Of Microplastics In The Industrial Wastewater Via The Fe-Based Coagulation Process
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Researchers tested iron-based coagulation as a method for removing microplastics from industrial wastewater. They found that coagulation effectively aggregated and settled microplastic particles, achieving removal efficiencies that varied with coagulant dose and microplastic concentration. The results support coagulation as a practical and scalable treatment option for reducing microplastic discharges from industrial sources.
Removal of microplastics from water by magnetic nano-Fe3O4
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Researchers developed a method for removing microplastics from water using magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles that attach to plastic surfaces, allowing the particles to be pulled out with a magnet. The technique achieved removal rates above 80% for common microplastic types in environmental water samples including river water, sewage, and seawater, suggesting a practical approach for water treatment.
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Tiny iron oxide particles, made using three different lab methods and sometimes coated with other chemicals, were tested for removing polyethylene micro- and nanoplastics from water samples in the lab. Removal success ranged from about 34% to 93%, with uncoated particles made by one method and coated particles made by another method performing best.
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