• UGI USER
  • Apr 13, 2024
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IISC RESEARCHERS DESIGN NOVEL HYDROGEL TO REMOVE MICROPLASTICS FROM WATER

Why in the news?

IISc researchers innovate hydrogel to eliminate microplastics from water, addressing health risks and sustainability concerns.

source:economictimes

About the Hydrogel Design:

  • Indian Institute of Science (IISc) researchers have innovated a sustainable hydrogel to eliminate microplastics from water.
  • Microplastics, posing health risks, can infiltrate the human body via water consumption, heightening the likelihood of illnesses.
  • IISc’s hydrogel features a distinct polymer network, adept at binding and degrading contaminants under UV light.
  • Past attempts at microplastic removal involved filtering membranes but proved unsustainable due to particle clogging.
About Indian Institute of Science (IISc) :

  • Indian Institute of Science (IISc) founded in 1909.
  • Located in Bangalore, India.
  • Public university for scientific research and higher education.
  • Supported by Jamsetji Tata and Maharaja of Mysore.
  • Also known as the Tata Institute.

What are  Microplastics ?

  • Plastic pollution in oceans degrades into Microplastics, <5 mm in diameter.
  • Primary Microplastics: Tiny particles from products like microbeads, plastic pellets, and fibres.
  • Secondary Microplastics: Result from larger plastic breakdown, like water bottles.
  • Both types pose risks to marine life and human health.

source:https://m.economictimes.com/news/science/iisc-researchers-develop-hydrogel-that-can-remove-microplastics-from-water/articleshow/109254690.cms#:~:text=Synopsis,nanomaterials%20for%20heavy%20metal%20removal.