Moringa oleifera Removes Microplastics from Water

Researchers at the SRM Institute of Science and Technology in Brazil have discovered that a saline extract from Moringa oleifera seeds can effectively remove microplastics from drinking water. The study, led by Gabrielle Batista and Adriano Gonçalves dos Reis, found that Moringa oleifera performs similarly to, and in some cases better than, aluminum sulfate, a conventional chemical coagulant. This natural solution offers a promising, sustainable, and cost-effective alternative for water purification, especially beneficial for smaller communities. The findings, published in ACS Omega by the American Chemical Society and funded by the Brazil — São Paulo Research Foundation, highlight the potential to reduce reliance on non-biodegradable chemical coagulants that pose health and environmental concerns. The team is currently testing the extract on water from the Paraíba do Sul River to validate its effectiveness in natural conditions.