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Eco-Friendly Microplastic Removal

CSEF · 2026 Earth & Environmental Sciences (Junior Division)

Aditya Rao

Overview

Eco-Friendly Microplastic Removal Microplastics are plastic particles smaller than five millimeters that have been detected in drinking water worldwide. Their persistence and small size raise concerns about long term human exposure. Many particles are smaller than the pore size of common filters, which limits the effectiveness of filtration alone. In conventional water treatment, flocculation is typically achieved using the synthetic polymers such as polyacrylamide. While effective, chemicals can generate non-biodegradable sludge and can have harmful health effects. This study examined whether plant based flocculants could improve microplastic removal by promoting aggregation before filtration. Four natural flocculants were tested: Moringa, Fenugreek, Aloe arborescens, and Opuntia. Cosmetic grade acrylic particles (~60 μm) were used to simulate microplastic contamination. The microplastic solution and flocculant were loaded into syringes and pushed through a 150 μm mesh. Next, 1 μL aliquot of the filtrate was examined under a light microscope and residual particles were counted manually. Ten trials were performed for each group, and a filtration only control group. Plant flocculants removed more microplastics than filtration alone. Fenugreek showed the largest improvement with an 81.6% reduction, followed by Aloe at 75%, Moringa at 59.2%, and Opuntia at 40.8%. These plants are widely grown and can often be sourced locally. Because they are natural and biodegradable, they may offer a safer alternative to synthetic flocculants. The results also suggest potential for simple household devices that combine flocculation and filtration, such as add-on washing machine systems, to reduce microplastic release at the source.

Competition history

  • CSEF 2026 Earth & Environmental Sciences (Junior Division) · Entry J-08-35

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