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Researchers use okra, aloe extracts to remove microplastics from wastewater
STEPHENVILLE, Texas - Tarleton State University researchers believe they have demonstrated how combinations of food-grade plant extracts have the power to remove microplastics from wastewater. Specifically, the extracts came from plants like okra, aloe, cactus and psyllium.The researchers presented their findings last month at the virtual spring meeting of the American Chemical Society.Typically, microplastics are removed by either skimming off the items that float at the top or by adding flocculants, or sticky chemicals that attract microplastics and form large clumps. The clumps then sink to the bottom of the water and can be separated from it, according to the university. RELATED: Microplastics found in human blood for the 1st time, study saysLead researcher Dr.