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Microalgae separation in MP-PVC contaminated wastewater using plant-based coagulant over different extraction methods in Bauru, Brazil
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Researchers tested Moringa oleifera plant extracts as natural coagulants for removing microalgae and PVC microplastics from photobioreactor wastewater, achieving over 83% turbidity removal and 63% microplastic removal under optimized conditions. Plant-based coagulants are a more sustainable and lower-cost alternative to synthetic chemical flocculants, and this study demonstrates they can handle the combined challenge of microalgae and microplastic removal simultaneously.
This study investigates the effectiveness of coagulation-flocculation and sedimentation (CFS) for separating microalgae, focusing on the use of various Moringa oleifera extracts as natural coagulants. We examined photobioreactor effluent (PBR) both with and without microplastic PVC (MP-PVC) contamination, referred to as PBR R2 and PBR R1, respectively. Utilising response surface methodology, we identified optimal conditions for the removal of microalgae and MP-PVC. Validation tests demonstrated that the aqueous extract of delipidated Moringa oleifera powder (AEDMOP) achieved high removal efficiencies, with coagulant dosages of 630 mg L for PBR R1 and 625 mg L for PBR R2. Both conditions showed microalgae removal efficiencies exceeding 83% for turbidity, colour, OD, OD, and OD, and 63% for OD. Interestingly, the optimised conditions for PBR R2 required slightly less coagulant, likely due to the additional particulate matter from MP-PVC. While extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) exhibited a marginal effect on flocculation, further investigation into their role in CFS is necessary. Our findings highlight the potential of AEDMOP for efficient microalgae separation, even in the presence of microplastics.
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Researchers tested a natural plant-based coagulant from Moringa oleifera seeds for removing microplastics from water, comparing it to conventional chemical treatments. The natural coagulant effectively removed both fresh and UV-weathered polyethylene microplastics, performing comparably to synthetic alternatives. This approach offers a more eco-friendly and less toxic option for cleaning microplastics from water systems.
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Researchers tested protein extracts from Moringa oleifera and Benincasa hispida seeds as natural coagulants for removing microplastics from water. Moringa extracts achieved 94% removal efficiency at a dosage of 30 mL/L, while Benincasa hispida reached 88% removal at 40 mL/L under neutral pH conditions. The study suggests these plant-based coagulants could serve as effective, sustainable, and affordable alternatives to synthetic chemicals for microplastic treatment in water systems.
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Researchers tested two plant-based coagulants — from Moringa oleifera seeds and white gourd (Benincasa hispida) — for removing microplastics from water, finding they achieved roughly 84–87% removal rates comparable to the commonly used chemical coagulant alum. This is the first study showing that natural, plant-derived coagulants can serve as sustainable, non-toxic alternatives for filtering microplastics from water supplies.
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