In the state of Missouri, an innovative technology developed by scientists at the University of Missouri is revolutionizing the treatment of contaminated water. A genetically modified algae has been created that has become an effective magnet for microplastics, offering a promising solution for cleaning seas and rivers.
Mutant algae: a magnet for microplastics
The study, published in Nature Communications, revealed that these algae can remove up to 91.4% of microplastics in just one hour under laboratory conditions. Using a strain that produces limonene, a natural oil reminiscent of the orange scent, the surface of the algae becomes more hydrophobic, facilitating the adhesion of microplastics.
Limonene, beyond providing its characteristic smell, modifies the cellular structure of the algae, causing them to repel water. This property is crucial as many microplastics possess the same characteristic, which causes them to bind to the algae in a natural and effective way.
This interaction facilitates the formation of clumps that sink, creating a biomass that is easier to collect. This advancement is significant, as it allows for the concentration of dispersed microplastics into a solid mass that can be removed more efficiently.
Traditional filtration methods often fail to capture these tiny particles. According to Susie Dai, a researcher at the University of Missouri, microplastics are so small that they escape many treatment systems, contaminating aquatic ecosystems and affecting marine life.
The development of a platform called RUMBA promises to combine the removal of microplastics with wastewater treatment, allowing for the subsequent use of the collected materials in new plastic or bioplastic products. This strategy addresses several environmental issues at once.
The team has tested the method with various types of plastics, including polystyrene, PET, and polyethylene, demonstrating the versatility of the approach, as plastics in the environment are often found mixed and not separated by type.
Beyond capturing microplastics, these algae can also thrive in wastewater, utilizing available nutrients and helping to purify the water in more than one way. Dai emphasizes that this method addresses three environmental problems simultaneously.
The team is still optimizing the processes for large-scale application. Currently, they grow these algae in large bioreactors, like a 100-liter one nicknamed “Shrek,” with the hope of adapting them to real wastewater conditions.
While laboratory results are promising, more testing and adjustments are needed to tackle the complexities of natural aquatic systems. The future of the project depends on how this method adapts and scales to more challenging scenarios.
In conclusion, this advancement should not be used as an excuse to increase the production of disposable plastics. The real solution lies in reducing waste generation and improving recycling practices. However, these innovations represent an important step in managing microplastic pollution.
