Microplastic: a small bacterium to fight against a great plague

Today's innovation should help us better fight against this scourge that microplastics have become.

This is a technique that very easily traps even microscopic plastic particles.

She'll make them clump together, rather than trying to filter them one by one.

As you said, some particles are microscopic.

So you need extremely fine filters to catch them.

Not only is it very expensive.

But in addition, we take the risk of getting rid of other, rather beneficial particles, such as mineral salts.

Scientists at Hong Kong Polytechnic University have discovered a tiny bacteria that loves microplastics.

It will therefore attach to the smallest microparticle.

Then push them to stick together, making them bigger pieces that are easier to grab.

How is this bacteria used?

Do you mix it with the water you want to filter?

Exactly.

The large pieces will then sink and end up at the bottom, where it will suffice to collect them to recycle them.

The objective will be to use it in purification stations to trap all microplastics even before water treatment.

You should know that today, the finest plastics pass through all filters and end up in waterways.

Are there regulations on microplastics and water treatment?

Not yet.

But it shouldn't be long.

This is why we anticipate by seeking solutions.

Especially since we begin to have a clearer idea of ​​the potential health risks.

Studies have, for example, shown that microplastics can cause aneurysms in fish and outright change the shape of lung cells in humans.

Better to get rid of it.