Researchers find moringa seeds remove over 98% of microplastics from water
Updated
Updated · Deccan Chronicle · Apr 27
Researchers find moringa seeds remove over 98% of microplastics from water
8 articles · Updated · Deccan Chronicle · Apr 27
A São Paulo State University team led by Adriano Gonçalves dos Reis demonstrated moringa seed extract removes more than 98% of microplastics, matching chemical treatments like aluminum sulfate.
The plant-based method performed even better in alkaline water and could reduce reliance on non-biodegradable, toxic chemical coagulants, addressing growing regulatory and health concerns.
Microplastics are now classified as a priority contaminant by the US EPA, with widespread human and environmental exposure. Researchers caution that large-scale real-world tests are still needed for city water systems.
As new laws target microplastics, could moringa become a billion-dollar green commodity for Brazil?
Can a 'miracle tree' solve our plastic crisis, or does it hide unforeseen environmental trade-offs?
How does moringa perform against the chemical cocktail found in real, heavily polluted industrial rivers?
Is this natural seed scalable enough for big cities, or will engineered algae win the water-tech race?
What happens if you add too much moringa extract, and could the cure create a new problem?