Magnetic material mops up microplastics

Researchers in Australia have found an innovative way to rapidly remove hazardous microplastics from water using magnets.
A team from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) has developed adsorbents, in the form of a powder, that remove microplastics 1,000 times smaller than those currently detectable by wastewater treatment plants.
The adsorbent has been developed using nanomaterials that can be mixed into water to attract microplastics and dissolved pollutants. The nanomaterials contain iron, enabling the use of magnets to separate the microplastics and pollutants from the water.
While existing methods to remove microplastics from water can take days, researchers say their cheap and sustainable invention can see results in just one hour.
Lead researcher Professor Nicky Eshtiaghi said, “The structure we’ve engineered to remove this pollution, which is impossible to see but very harmful to the environment, is recycled from waste and can be used multiple times. This is a big win for the environment and the circular economy.”

Co-lead researcher Nasir Mahmood said, “Microplastics smaller than five millimetres, which can take up to 450 years to degrade, are not detectable and removable through conventional treatment systems, resulting in millions of tonnes being released into the sea every year.
"This is not only harmful for aquatic life, but also has significant negative impacts on human health.”
Following successful lab testing, the team is now looking to engage with the water sector to further develop the innovation to remove microplastics from waterways. Collaborating to develop a cost-effective way to overcome challenges posed by microplastics was critical, Eshtiaghi said.
“We are looking for industrial collaborators to take our invention to the next steps, where we will be looking at its application in wastewater treatment plants.”
The research results were published in Chemical Engineering Journal.