Chinese scientists have developed an innovative sponge made from cotton and squid cartilage extracts that can absorb nearly all microplastics present in water. This revolutionary material is not only reusable but also cost-effective, making it highly suitable for mass production and widespread use.
The research, conducted by scientists from Wuhan University, was published in the prestigious journal Science Advances. The sponge is composed of chitin extracted from squid cartilage and cellulose derived from cotton, both materials commonly used in pollution control applications. The sponge has been successfully tested in diverse water environments, including irrigation ditches, lakes, seawater, and ponds, removing up to 99.9% of microplastics.
Cost-Effective and Reusable
One of the standout features of the sponge is its affordability and reusability. The materials required for production are easily accessible, significantly reducing manufacturing costs. Furthermore, the sponge can be reused multiple times, maintaining an absorption efficiency of 95% to 98% after five usage cycles, according to the researchers.
The study’s authors believe that with successful large-scale testing, the sponge could be mass-produced within a few years. Potential applications include integration into household and city-wide filtration systems, as well as use in washing machines and dishwashers to prevent microplastic pollution at the source.
Addressing the Global Microplastic Crisis
Microplastics, tiny plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in size, are a growing global concern. They have been detected in water samples worldwide, posing significant threats to human health. Studies estimate that an average person ingests approximately 4,000 microplastic particles annually through drinking water. These particles have been found in the most remote locations, from the clouds above Mount Fuji to the depths of the Mariana Trench’s Challenger Deep.
Efforts to develop filters for microplastics have faced challenges such as high production costs, technological limitations, and pollution generated during manufacturing. This new sponge could be a game-changer, offering an eco-friendly and scalable solution to tackle this pressing environmental issue.
Future Prospects
If further large-scale testing proves successful, this innovative sponge could be mass-produced within a few years. It offers a scalable, environmentally friendly solution that addresses the shortcomings of previous microplastic filtration attempts, which often faced challenges like high costs and technological limitations.
Source: The Guardian
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