Indian Scientists Design Material That Removes Microplastics From Water. Here's How

Microplastics are tiny plastic debris that can enter our bodies through the water we drink and expose us to illnesses.

From oceans to mountains, microplastics have been found almost everywhere on the planet. According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), these tiny particles of plastic less than 5 millimetres in size, have infiltrated our oceans, soil, and even the air we breathe. These tiny debris can enter our bodies through the water we drink and pose a massive threat to our health.

To combat the menace of plastic pollution, scientists at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have designed a sustainable hydrogel to remove microplastics from water. In a press release, Bengaluru-based IISc explained that the hydrogel has a unique intertwined polymer network that can bind the contaminants and degrade them using UV light irradiation.

Previously, scientists have tried using filtering membranes to remove microplastics, however, the membranes can become clogged with these tiny particles, rendering them unsustainable. The IISc team led by Suryasarathi Bose, a Professor at the Department of Materials Engineering, then turned to 3D hydrogels for a solution.