Microplastics are now a global environmental problem that is observed at the highest altitudes, down in the trenches of the deep ocean, bottled water, and even inside the human placenta. The microplastic is plastic that has broken down into pieces less than 5 millimeters, infamous for blocking wildlife, harming ecosystems, and possibly threatening the health of humans. Efforts have included the reduction of plastic use and proper waste management, yet still, current efforts worsen the problem. Now, however, scientists at Wuhan University in China found a potential answer: a sponge biodegradable by nature, made of squid bones and cotton.
The researchers from Wuhan University mixed two natural materials that are known to be able to absorb pollutants from wastewater, which include chitin obtained from squid bones and cellulose obtained from cotton. The sponge was proven effective in removing microplastics; studies published in Science Advances showed that it removed up to 99.9% of microplastics in waters from various sources, including irrigation, ponds, lakes, and sea waters. It works by trapping mechanically microplastics along with attraction from electromagnetic forces. According to the study, the authors underscore the severity of the microplastic problem since aquatic ecosystems suffer the most from this pollution. The authors pointed out that despite the implemented policies to decrease plastic use and enhance recycling, microplastic pollution continues to grow, making such solutions as a squid-bone sponge urgent.
Sources of microplastics include breakups of larger pieces, synthetic fibres from textiles, and the microbeads used in personal care products. An estimated 14 million metric tons of microplastics are already littered on the ocean floor as a result of a study done in 2020. The particles stay in the environment for longer periods, with marine life ingesting them. Healthcare is worsening due to exposure to the plastic particles.
The cleaning up of microplastics has thus become even more important, since production is likely to increase in the next years. Even in a scenario where the world immediately makes efforts to restrain plastic use, it is projected that by 2040, 710 million metric tons of plastic will already flood the environment. It is hence vital to come up with viable means of removing microplastics from water.
The sponge developed by the Wuhan team is truly a giant leap toward solving the problem. Also, unlike former methods that are usually very expensive and costly to produce, the squid-bone cotton sponge is made of readily available materials, which can thus be produced on a much bigger scale. It would also help in the elimination of microplastics from complex water bodies such as lakes and rivers where pollutants are concentrated.
However, experts, such as Shima Ziajahromi from Griffith University, have been skeptical about how the sponge deals with microplastics that settle into the sediment, which accounts for the bulk of the contaminants in aquatic ecosystems. The other aspect is the proper disposal of the sponge after absorbing microplastics. The sponge is biodegradable, but the microplastics it collects must be properly disposed of so that the contamination does not spread to other ecosystems. Unless managed properly, it will be exacerbated.
Ultimately, experts say that although the squid-cotton sponge is a promising solution, the best way to curb microplastic pollution is still reducing plastic consumption and pollution at the source. However, the sponge gives one hope in the face of one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time, which may provide a new tool to help clean up our waters.
