Relevance:
Recently, Scientists from South Korea have developed a new water purification system that can quickly and efficiently filter out microplastics.
Key Points:
- In an experiment, over 99.9% of contaminants were taken out of the water in just 10 seconds.
- Key Material – Covalent Triazine Frameworks (CTFs), a porous organic material.
- Benefits of used porous polymer –
- Relatively inexpensive
- Excellent adsorption performance
- Good photothermal properties
About Microplastics:
- Microplastics are plastic particles less than 5mm in diameter.
- Classification –
- Primary Microplastics: Tiny particles designed for commercial use and microfibers shed from clothing and other textiles. E.g. Microbeads found in personal care products, plastic pellets and plastic fibres.
- Secondary Microplastics: They are formed from the breakdown of larger plastics. E.g. Water bottles.
Reference: Indian Express
