Microplastics are everywhere - an innovative sponge will remove them
Scientists at Northwestern University in Chicago are working on a special sponge capable of removing microplastics, petroleum products and other types of contaminants from water. According to the head of the study - Professor Vinayak Dravid - the technology is based on a special nanocoating, which attracts and retains pollutants, acting as a glue. Experiments have shown that one such sponge can absorb oil 30 times its own weight.
Even old kitchen sponges can be used to clean contaminated water. After treatment with a special coating they are planned to be placed in water to purify liquid from several kinds of substances at once.
In addition, this technology can be used to create highly effective filters for washing machines and other equipment. Engineers are also studying the possibility of creating a coating capable of extracting carbon dioxide from the air.
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