At a Glance
- Researchers have discovered that plant-based substances such as okra and fenugreek can more effectively remove microplastics from water than traditional synthetic polymers like polyacrylamide.
- In lab experiments, fenugreek extract removed up to 90 percent of microplastics from groundwater, while a combination of okra and fenugreek removed 77 percent from freshwater samples.
- The plant extracts work by causing microplastic particles to clump together and settle, allowing for easier removal without introducing harmful chemicals into the water.
- Optimal results were achieved by using one gram of okra or fenugreek powder per liter of water, with different plants performing best depending on the water source tested.
- This approach offers a fast, eco-friendly alternative to current methods, providing a sustainable solution for reducing microplastic pollution and protecting environmental and public health.
A recent study has shown that natural substances from plants like okra and fenugreek could be more effective at removing microplastics from water than commonly used synthetic materials. Microplastics, tiny particles from broken-down plastic waste, are a growing environmental concern due to their harmful effects on ecosystems and organisms. Traditional methods of treating wastewater often involve synthetic polymers, which can harm the environment. Now, researchers are turning to plant-derived polysaccharides as a non-toxic, eco-friendly alternative.
In laboratory experiments, the research team tested plant extracts from okra and fenugreek, two plants known for their sticky properties. The scientists found that these extracts could attract and trap microplastics in water, causing the particles to clump together and settle for easy removal. The results were impressive when they applied this method to different types of water samples, including ocean water, freshwater, and groundwater. Fenugreek extract removed up to 90% of microplastics from groundwater, while a combination of okra and fenugreek extracts removed up to 77% from freshwater.
The research team used various scientific methods to analyze how well these plant-based extracts worked. They soaked okra pods and fenugreek seeds in water to extract the polysaccharides and then tested the effectiveness of these extracts in different water samples. The best results came from using one gram of plant powder per liter of water, with fenugreek performing best in groundwater and okra excelling in ocean water. This method proved faster and more efficient than the commonly used synthetic polymer, polyacrylamide.
This study, published in ACS Omega, highlights the potential of using natural, biodegradable materials for cleaning up water, which could significantly reduce the environmental harm caused by microplastics. Researchers are opening the door to a safer, more sustainable wastewater treatment method by using plant extracts like okra and fenugreek. Removing harmful pollutants without introducing additional toxic substances into the water is crucial for protecting human health and the environment.
References
- Srinivasan, R., Bhuju, R., Chraibi, V., Stefan, M. C., Hien, N., Ustundag, D., Gill, J. L. N., Rasmussen, N., Saurenmann, B., Bracerra, J., Fowler, M., White, H., & Azadah, M. (2025). Fenugreek and okra polymers as treatment agents for the removal of microplastics from water sources. ACS Omega, 10(15), 14640–14656. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.4c07476
- American Chemical Society. (2025, May 6). Okra and fenugreek extracts remove most microplastics from water, finds research. Phys.Org; American Chemical Society. https://phys.org/news/2025-05-okra-fenugreek-microplastics.html
