Seaweed suggests solutions for microplastics removal and sustainable production of safe bioplastics

Persistent microplastic particles (MPs) that accumulate in natural bodies of water vary widely in size and shape. Removing such diverse MPs from aquifers with conventional methods, such as filtration and centrifugation, is costly and inefficient. To address this challenge, we designed a class of biomimetic cleaners inspired by natural systems, including “Sargassum raft” meshes that trap MPs within their branched thalli and “Neptune balls” formed from seagrass. These meshes adhesively capture nano- and microscale particles while trapping millimeter-scale particles within their network. The microcleaners are fabricated from chitosan, a sustainable biomaterial, and could serve as scalable systems for efficiently removing diverse MPs from aquatic environments.

The ultimate sustainable solution to this problem requires replacing current synthetic polymers with bioplastics that biodegrade cleanly without producing microplastics. We will discuss our current multidisciplinary effort with Prof. Chris Osburn of the NC State Blue Economy program to develop new bioplastics from harvested invasive seaweed.

This meeting is a Zoom “hybrid” meeting.  We will meet at our regular venue, Extraordinary Ventures, where the program will take place.  We will also Zoom the program.    If you wish to attend via Zoom, please use our contact us form (https://ehstnc.org/contact-us/) to make your request.