Here is some potentially excellent good news about the massive problem of microplastics in the oceans and seas.
Microplastics are tiny particles of plastic that are smaller than 5mm in size and are found in the environment, including in water sources. These particles can come from a variety of sources, including the breakdown of larger plastic items, the use of microbeads in personal care products, and the release of plastic fibers during the washing of synthetic clothing. Microplastics have been found in tap water, bottled water, and even in the oceans, and their presence in the environment is a cause for concern as they can be ingested by marine life and potentially enter the food chain.
Princeton Engineering researchers have developed a cost-effective way to use breakfast foods to create a material that can remove salt and microplastics from seawater.
The researchers used egg whites to create an aerogel, a versatile material known for its light weight and porosity. It has a range of uses, including water filtration, energy storage, and sound and thermal insulation. Craig Arnold, the Susan Dod Brown Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and vice dean of innovation at Princeton, leads […]
Truly good news if it can be scaled.