Moringa Seed Extract Captures Microplastics in Water

Researchers at the Institute of Science and Technology of Unesp (ICT-Unesp) in Brazil believe a sustainable solution for removing microplastics from drinking water may be found in the seeds of the moringa tree.

Traditional treatment systems often struggle to capture these microscopic fragments. Still, the recent ICT-Unesp study suggests that a saline extract derived from moringa seeds can perform just as well, if not better, than aluminum sulfate used in treatment plants.

Rather than dissolving the plastic, the moringa extract neutralizes the particles' electrical charges. This causes microplastics to clump into larger clusters that are much easier to catch.

However, the researchers pointed out that this isn't a DIY fix for the average consumer. The process requires a professional environment with protocols involving specific dosages, pH levels, and reaction times.

To test the extract's limits, the team compared two different filtration methods: direct and in-line. Results showed that the moringa extract achieved almost similar results to those of chemical coagulants when treating aged PVC microplastics.

They also found out that moringa maintains high performance across a much broader pH range, unlike aluminum-based coagulants that tend to lose effectiveness as water pH shifts. This margin of maneuverability makes it suitable for tropical regions.

In addition, because the extract is so efficient, it opens the door to simplifying the treatment process. If in-line filtration can produce the same results as more complex systems, treatment plants could significantly reduce their energy footprint.

One main drawback, however, is using too much moringa extract. Excessive amounts can result in higher levels of dissolved organic carbon, which means it should be carefully monitored to prevent it from causing another problem.

Read the full article here for more details.

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