A study by scientists in the United States proves that slimy plants can filter microplastic particles from our wastewater.
These plants would present an alternative to chemicals, such as flocculants, used by reprocessing plants, which can be harmful to fish, nature, and human health.
Among these plants, we find in particular okra (or okra), which is used as a thickener in many recipes.
The use of okra or other sticky plants could filter microplastic from wastewater without using synthetic products.
This is the result of a study conducted by scientists in the United States and presented on Tuesday.
This research could offer an alternative to the use of chemicals in wastewater treatment plants, which themselves pose health risks.
Microplastics, particles of 5 mm or less, harm fish, the environment, and could be harmful to human health.
The danger of flocculants
Wastewater treatment plants usually remove them in two stages: those floating on the surface are retained and the rest is agglomerated by chemicals, called flocculants, in order to be easier to filter.
But these flocculants can decompose into other toxic substances, which are also dangerous for humans.
To filter out microplastics, “we should use natural materials that are non-toxic,” says Rajani Srinivasan, lead researcher of the study.
Okra (or okra) is used as a thickener in many recipes.
After studying its ability to purge water of pollutants of textile origin, the scientist looked into an application for microplastics.
Plants that can already be used in wastewater treatment plants
The researchers investigated whether easily accessible plants (okra, aloe, cactus, fenugreek, tamarind or psyllium) could replace flocculants.
Tests have been carried out with water polluted with microplastics.
It turns out that a mixture of okra and fenugreek works best in saltwater, and an okra-tamarind variant works great in freshwater.
These products are at least as effective – if not more – than flocculants.
They are also non-toxic and can already be used in wastewater treatment plants as they exist today.
Rajani Srinivasan hopes to eventually be able to commercialize this process to allow greater access to clean water.
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