Coaggregation assisted by cationic polyelectrolyte and clay minerals as a strategy for the removal of polystyrene microplastic particles from aqueous solutions

Optimizing Electrocoagulation for Polystyrene Microplastics Removal via Magnetic Separation

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Researchers tested electrocoagulation (EC) with iron electrodes to remove polystyrene microplastics, finding that magnetite formation at intermediate current densities enabled 100% removal from pure water within 5 minutes using magnetic separation, though wastewater achieved only 40–80% removal due to competing non-magnetic iron oxides. This work advances cost-effective, scalable water treatment options for capturing microplastics before they reach aquatic ecosystems.

Magnetically recoverable Fe3O4-loaded poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)˗sodium carboxymethyl cellulose hydrogel beads for efficient removal of amine-functionalized polystyrene nanoplastics

Determining the Impact of Surfactant Type, Concentration, and Solubility on Microplastic Aggregation

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Undergraduate researchers tested the surfactant Tween 80 and Span 80 at varying concentrations to aggregate and recover microplastics from water samples, exploring how surfactant type and preparation methodology affect recovery efficiency. This novel aggregation methodology could improve detection and quantification of microplastics in water, which is critical for understanding exposure levels in drinking water and aquatic ecosystems.