IISc Scientists Develop Sustainable Hydrogel to Remove Microplastics from Water

Scientists at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have developed a sustainable hydrogel to remove microplastics from water, addressing the global issue of plastic pollution.

Microplastics, particles less than 5 millimetres in size, are pervasive in oceans, soil, and even the air we breathe, posing a threat to human health.

The hydrogel, made up of a unique polymer network, can bind and degrade microplastics using UV light irradiation.

Previous methods like filtering membranes have been unsuccessful due to clogging, making them unsustainable.

How it was Developed?

The IISc hydrogel, composed of three polymer layers and nanoclusters of a material called copper substitute polyoxometalate, has shown high efficiency in removing polyvinyl chloride and polypropylene microplastics from water.

As per IISc, the hydrogel consists of three different polymer layers – chitosan, polyvinyl alcohol and polyaniline – intertwined together, making an Interpenetrating Polymer Network (IPN) architecture. The team infused this matrix with nanoclusters of a material called copper substitute polyoxometalate (Cu-POM). These nanoclusters are catalysts that can use UV light to degrade the microplastics. The combination of the polymers and nanoclusters resulted in a strong hydrogel with the ability to adsorb and degrade large amounts of microplastics

The team plans to scale up their technology to deploy devices for cleaning up microplastics from various water sources. Additionally, the hydrogel can be repurposed into carbon nanomaterials capable of removing heavy metals from polluted water, making it a versatile solution to environmental contamination.

About IISc

The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) is in Bangalore and was established in 1909 with the aim of advancing scientific research in India. It is one of the premier research institutions in the country and offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in various scientific disciplines. The campus is spread over 400 acres and is home to numerous research centers and laboratories. IISc is known for its contributions to cutting-edge research and innovation in fields such as science, engineering, and technology.

About microplastics

Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic less than 5mm in size that pollute the environment. These particles come from a variety of sources, including cosmetics, clothing, and industrial processes. They are harmful to marine life, as they can be ingested by animals and enter the food chain. Microplastics have also been found in drinking water, putting human health at risk. Efforts to reduce microplastic pollution include banning certain products and improving waste management systems.

Month: Current Affairs - April, 2024

Category: Science & Technology Current Affairs