Researchers have discovered that natural extracts from okra and fenugreek can effectively remove microplastics from water, offering a biodegradable alternative to synthetic polymers. Published in ACS Omega, the study reveals that these plant-based substances trap up to 90% of microplastics in various water sources, including ocean water, freshwater, and groundwater.
The study, led by Rajani Srinivasan and her team, explored the use of nontoxic, plant-based polymers to clean contaminated water. In lab experiments, extracts from okra and fenugreek were found to clump microplastics together, causing them to sink for easy removal. The researchers optimized the process by soaking okra pods and fenugreek seeds overnight, drying the extracts into powders, and testing their efficiency.
Key findings include:
- One gram of okra or fenugreek powder in a liter of water removed 67% and 93% of microplastics, respectively, within an hour.
- A 1:1 mixture of both extracts achieved 70% removal efficiency in just 30 minutes.
- The natural extracts outperformed polyacrylamide, a synthetic polymer commonly used in wastewater treatment.
When tested on real water samples from Texas, the extracts showed varying efficiencies: okra worked best in ocean water (80%), fenugreek in groundwater (80-90%), and the combination in freshwater (77%). The researchers attribute these differences to the diverse types and sizes of microplastics in each sample.
Dr. Srinivasan emphasized the environmental benefits: “Utilizing these plant-based extracts in water treatment will remove microplastics and other pollutants without introducing additional toxic substances to the treated water, thus reducing long-term health risks to the population.”
This research highlights the potential of okra and fenugreek extracts as sustainable solutions for microplastic pollution. The team plans to further refine the method for large-scale applications, paving the way for greener water treatment technologies.
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