A group of researchers led by Prof. Dr. Hongbing Deng from Wuhan University has developed a groundbreaking biodegradable foam that could significantly reduce microplastic pollution, addressing one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.
With an estimated 4.6 billion metric tons of non-degradable plastics contaminating our environment, and microplastics already detected in human brains, scientists have created a promising solution. A team of Chinese researchers has designed a unique foam made from natural materials – chitin from squid bones and cellulose from cotton – that can remove up to 99.9% of microplastics from water.
The innovative foam demonstrates remarkable efficiency across multiple water sources, including lake, coastal, agricultural, and still water. In initial tests, the material absorbed nearly 100% of four common microplastic types: polystyrene, polypropylene, polymethyl methacrylate, and polyethylene terephthalate.
What makes this breakthrough particularly promising is the foam’s reusability. Over five cleaning cycles, it maintained an impressive 95-98% removal efficiency. The researchers note that the foam’s unique structure, with positively and negatively charged surfaces, allows it to attract and trap microscopic plastic particles effectively.
Project lead Prof. Hongbing Deng expressed optimism about the technology’s potential, stating that the raw materials are inexpensive and readily available. The team hopes to begin pilot production in 2025, with the possibility of large-scale manufacturing if initial results are successful.
This development offers a glimmer of hope in combating microplastic pollution, which scientists warn could continue increasing for thousands of years without innovative interventions.
The research highlights the potential of natural, sustainable materials in addressing one of the most significant environmental challenges of our time, providing a potential pathway to cleaner water and reduced plastic contamination.
