The project developed a filter-free process solution for removal of microplastics and micropollutants from water. With the use of hybrid silica gels, a chemical reaction separates pharmaceutical molecules from water. Microplastics are treated with a gel that promotes the formation of clumps, that grow into lumps that float on the surface of the treatment basin, allowing for easy separation.
Spanish scientists have developed a hybrid material capable of absorbing microplastics from water. The material has a metal-organic structure and porous carbon that function as a magnet to remove microplastics and other substances from water. It can be used to clean small samples and monitor sea pollution.
The American company Draper is developing a detection system for microplastics in water. By using fluorescent dye on water samples from the sea, microplastics light up. These can then be easily identified between other small materials (such as plankton and organic material) to determine the plastic content of the sample.
The Marine Litter Detectve is a floating tracker giving insight into the sea currents that carry plastic along. The idea is from Scoutbots and the units look like dangerous jellyfish.
