Innovative Cotton-Squid Sponge Filters 99.9% of Microplastics, Offering Scalable Solution to Global Pollution

A new sponge made from cotton and squid bone has demonstrated the ability to absorb up to 99.9% of microplastics in water samples, according to a recent study by researchers from the University of Wuhan. The sponge’s potential for mitigating microplastic pollution is significant, offering a possible solution to the widespread contamination of water bodies worldwide.

The findings were published in the journal Science Advances, where the authors noted that the filter’s production could be scaled up, addressing a major hurdle faced by previous microplastic filtration systems that succeeded in controlled environments but failed in larger applications.

The research highlights that microplastic remediation in aquatic environments is critical for protecting ecosystems but has been challenging due to the lack of efficient, universal methods. Microplastics, which are found in water samples globally, pose significant health risks as they can carry toxic chemicals like PFAS, bisphenol, and phthalates, which are linked to cancer, neurotoxicity, and hormonal disruptions.

These microplastics can also infiltrate the body through ingestion or inhalation, with estimates suggesting that people ingest thousands of plastic particles annually, further compounding the global health crisis associated with plastic pollution.

In testing, the cotton and squid bone sponge effectively removed up to 99.9% of microplastics from various water sources, including irrigation ditches, lakes, seawater, and ponds. The sponge maintained its effectiveness over multiple filtration cycles, removing 95%-98% of the plastic after five uses, demonstrating its remarkable reusability. This capability is essential for large-scale applications where consistent and efficient filtration is required to address widespread microplastic pollution.

The sponge is made from chitin, a substance extracted from squid bone, and cotton cellulose, materials known for their pollution-fighting properties. Unlike many other filtration systems that have faced challenges related to cost, secondary pollution, and complex technology, this sponge is both inexpensive and easy to produce. The raw materials for the sponge are readily available, and the production equipment, such as freeze dryers and mechanical stirrers, is widely accessible, making large-scale manufacturing feasible.

The authors of the study are optimistic about the potential for this sponge to be used in various contexts, including in home and municipal filtration systems, as well as in washing machines and dishwashers, common sources of microplastic pollution. If larger-scale testing proves successful, the sponge could be ready for industrial use within several years, offering a promising solution to one of the most pressing environmental and health challenges of our time.