Researchers at RMIT University in Australia report a reusable water-treatment material that removes micro- and nanoplastics from water and can also reduce some PFAS chemicals. The work builds on the team’s earlier 2022 breakthrough for microplastics removal, extending the approach to much smaller particles and more complex wastewater conditions. The material uses magnetism to capture contaminants: as water passes through or contacts the magnetic material, microplastics are rapidly taken up, and the treated material can then be recovered using magnets for reuse. According to reporting, test results indicate removal of more than 95% of microplastics from water. The researchers also describe potential for removing certain PFAS compounds, which are widely regulated due to environmental persistence and health concerns. The sources characterize the development as a step toward practical, real-world application for water treatment facilities, focusing on performance against difficult-to-remove contaminants (including nanoscale plastics) and the ability to limit waste and operating costs through material reusability.
Australian researchers develop reusable magnetic material to remove microplastics and some PFAS
Researchers at RMIT University in Australia report a reusable water-treatment material that removes micro- and nanoplastics from water and can also reduce some PFAS chemicals. The work builds on the t...
- RMIT University researchers develop a reusable magnetic water-treatment material for micro- and nanoplastics.
- Reported tests show removal of more than 95% of microplastics from water.
- The technology also targets some PFAS compounds, though not all PFAS are specified.
- The magnetic material captures contaminants and can be recovered using magnets for reuse.
- The work extends an earlier 2022 RMIT development to smaller particles and more complex wastewater.
Innovative Australian researchers have developed a groundbreaking reusable magnetic material that effectively eliminates over ninety-five percent of microplastics from water. This remarkable technology also exhibits potential in removing harmful PFAS chemicals. The magnetic powder quickly captures tiny plastic particles and heavy metals, enabling easy recovery with magnets after use, thereby significantly cutting down on waste and operational costs. This advancement offers a promising solution for global water treatment facilities.
1 hour agoMicroplastics are an increasing global concern, with growing evidence of their presence in water systems. RMIT University researchers have developed a water treatment material that rapidly removes micro- and nanoplastics and some PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), bringing the technology closer to real-world use. The invention builds on the team's 2022 breakthrough in microplastics removal, extending its performance to much smaller particles and more complex wastewater.
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