Microplastic pollution poses a significant environmental challenge, with tiny plastic particles infiltrating aquatic ecosystems and potentially entering the food chain. Recent advancements in hydrogel technology offer promising solutions for mitigating this issue.
Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science have developed a multi-layered hydrogel composed of chitosan, polyvinyl alcohol, and polyaniline. This interpenetrating polymer network is infused with nanoclusters of copper-substituted polyoxometalate, which act as catalysts under ultraviolet light, facilitating the degradation of captured microplastics. Laboratory tests demonstrated the hydrogel's effectiveness in removing approximately 93% to 95% of microplastics from water samples at near-neutral pH levels. Additionally, the material maintained its efficacy over multiple treatment cycles and could be regenerated for reuse. This approach presents a sustainable and efficient method for addressing microplastic contamination in water bodies.
Similarly, the European Commission's MICROPLASTINE project has developed biodegradable gelatin hydrogels that aggregate microplastic particles, enabling their removal from wastewater. These hydrogels have shown high biodegradability in aquatic environments, supporting efforts to reduce microplastic contamination in marine ecosystems.
These developments underscore the potential of hydrogel-based technologies in combating microplastic pollution, offering environmentally friendly and effective solutions for water purification.