Microplastic Contamination of Water: Effects of Novel Bio-Composites Comprising of Okra and Aloe Vera.

Abstract

Mechanical and physicochemical degradation of plastic waste leads to the formation of plastic fragments called microplastics that are widely polluting our water and food chains.  The current methods of removing microplastics from water involve use of chemical flocculants, which result in non-biodegradable by-products, making this removal technique harmful to the environment. The purpose of this research was to develop alternatives using natural flocculants made out of Abelmoschus esculentus (Okra) and Aloe Vera with variations including zinc oxide and non-toxic resin. Novel bio-flocculants when tested displayed high levels of microplastic flocculation when Okra based bio-composites were used. The Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy confirmed the lack of toxic byproducts created in the process of bio-flocculation. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) scans provided evidence for physical change of the microplastics that enabled their effective removal from water samples. In conclusion, bio-flocculants offer a safer, promising and economical alternative to the present-day agents that can be implemented in the current water treatment systems without creating harmful by-products.