A novel device, named “bioCap,” has been developed by UBC’s BioProducts Institute as a potential solution to the issue of microplastic pollution in water. This innovative plant-based filter utilizes tannins, natural compounds found in plants that give an astringent sensation when biting into an unripe fruit, combined with a layer of wood dust. This combination forms a filter capable of capturing almost 99.9% of microplastic particles present in water.
The BioProducts Institute at UBC has recognized the urgent need to address microplastic pollution, which arises from the breakdown of plastic products and industrial waste. Conventional solutions to this problem have been either expensive or challenging to implement on a large scale. In contrast, the proposed “bioCap” filter presents a promising alternative that can be scaled down for home use or upscaled for municipal water treatment systems. Notably, this filter stands apart from plastic filters since it employs renewable and biodegradable materials such as tannic acids from plants, wood sawdust, bark, leaves, and wood.
Dr. Orlando Rojas, the scientific director of the institute, emphasizes the gravity of microplastic contamination, citing research indicating that virtually all tap water is affected and that an enormous amount of mismanaged plastic waste will enter the environment in the coming years. The “bioCap” filter demonstrates impressive effectiveness, capturing between 95.2% and 99.9% of plastic particles in water, depending on the type of plastic. Additionally, mouse model testing revealed its ability to prevent the accumulation of microplastics in organs.
This interdisciplinary effort involves collaboration with experts from Sichuan University in China and contributors from UBC’s chemical and biological engineering departments. The method employs tannin-coated wood dust to target various types of microplastics that differ in size, shape, and charge. The researchers express their excitement about the progress made in combating the challenges posed by microplastic pollution and highlight the potential of their sustainable approach.
Reference: “Flowthrough Capture of Microplastics through Polyphenol-Mediated Interfacial Interactions on Wood Sawdust” by Yu Wang, Mengyue Wang, Qin Wang, Taoyang Wang, Zhengming Zhou, Marina Mehling, Tianyu Guo, Hang Zou, Xiao Xiao, Yunxiang He, Xiaoling Wang, Orlando J. Rojas, Junling Guo, 6 June 2023, Advanced Materials. DOI: 10.1002/adma.202301531
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Microplastic Filtration
What is the “bioCap” filter developed by UBC’s BioProducts Institute?
The “bioCap” filter is an innovative water filtration technology created by UBC’s BioProducts Institute. It utilizes a combination of natural plant compounds called tannins and a layer of wood dust to capture almost 99.9% of microplastic particles in water.
How does the “bioCap” filter work?
The filter is designed based on the interaction between tannins, which are found in plants and can cause an astringent sensation when consuming certain fruits, and wood dust. When combined, these materials create a filter that effectively traps a wide range of microplastic particles present in water.
What problem does the “bioCap” filter address?
Microplastic pollution is a pressing issue caused by the breakdown of plastic products and industrial waste, contaminating water supplies and ecosystems. The “bioCap” filter offers a sustainable and scalable solution to this problem by utilizing renewable and biodegradable materials to remove microplastics from water.
How effective is the “bioCap” filter?
The filter demonstrates remarkable effectiveness, capturing between 95.2% and 99.9% of plastic particles in water, depending on the type of plastic. Mouse model testing has also shown that the filter prevents the accumulation of microplastics in organs.
Is the “bioCap” filter environmentally friendly?
Yes, the “bioCap” filter is environmentally friendly as it employs renewable and biodegradable materials, including tannins from plants and wood sawdust, which is a forestry byproduct. Unlike plastic filters, the “bioCap” filter does not contribute to further pollution.
Can the “bioCap” filter be implemented on a large scale?
While the technology is still in its experimental phase, the researchers believe it can be scaled up affordably and efficiently, especially with the right industrial collaborator. This makes it a potential solution for municipal water treatment systems and even home use.
Who collaborated in the development of the “bioCap” filter?
The development of the “bioCap” filter involved collaboration between UBC’s BioProducts Institute and experts from Sichuan University in China. Contributors from UBC’s chemical and biological engineering departments were also involved in the interdisciplinary effort.
Where can I find more information about this research?
More information about this research can be found in the article titled “Flowthrough Capture of Microplastics through Polyphenol-Mediated Interfacial Interactions on Wood Sawdust,” published in Advanced Materials on June 6, 2023. The DOI for the article is 10.1002/adma.202301531.
More about Microplastic Filtration
- UBC’s BioProducts Institute
- Advanced Materials Article
- Sichuan University Center of Biomass Materials and Nanointerfaces
2 comments
so they got this new thing called bioCap filter? sounds rad af! traps microplastics with plant stuff & wood dust? dope idea tbh, we need more eco stuff like this y’know?
uhh, tannins + wood junk catching plastics? got doubts tbh. but if sci peeps say 99.9%, could b big. eco-vibe’s gr8, hope it scales up, not just lab magic!