Ferro-Sponge: An Investigation into the Usage of Metal Oxides for the Removal of Microplastics and Oil from Water

Overview

Many water sources currently contain hazardous microplastics and oils, for which efficient removal methods do not yet exist. I have performed extended research over several years developing methods to address this issue, the latest of which is presented here. Current research tested the implementation of electromagnetic filtration aided by contaminant agglomeration induced by metal oxides – Fe3O4, MnO2, and NiO, of which Fe3O4 was most effective. Fe3O4 nanoparticles were consequently synthesized to increase the surface area for agglomeration, thus increasing microplastic removal. Due to their properties as sorbents, it was hypothesized that they were capable of also removing oil from water. The nanoparticles were proven to be more effective than general Fe3O4 particulate. However, aiming for an efficient implementation on larger scales, these nanoparticles were adhered to a polyurethane sponge, the original “Ferro-Sponge” model. Three other additives were tested to increase the model’s effectiveness: bentonite, a clay compound with known oil removal capabilities; sorbent pads, expected to absorb oil; and mineral spirits, expected to increase Fe3O4 nanoparticle retention via adhesion promotion. Only bentonite effectively enhanced the removal of these contaminants in water. The final “Ferro-Sponge” model was created by coating a polyurethane sponge in a mixture consisting of synthesized Fe3O4 nanoparticles and bentonite. All testing was done by using home-built and laboratory spectrometers, and a microscope. To measure real-world effectiveness, contaminated water from Long Island Sound was treated with the “Ferro- Sponge,” in which the “Ferro-Sponge” successfully removed contaminants. The “Ferro-Sponge” is currently patent-pending and in contact with industrial companies for implementation. DODEA EUROPE

Competition history

• JSHS 2022 Category not listed

Resources

• National JSHS abstract book ↗

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