Moringa Seeds for Microplastic Removal Match Chemical Alternatives While Offering Greener Water Treatment

Brazilian researchers at São Paulo State University found moringa seeds eliminate 98% of PVC microplastics from water—matching aluminum sulfate's effectiveness—while avoiding toxic mining byproducts, sludge generation, and neurological risks associated with alum. Moringa proved more reliable across varying pH ranges and eliminated the need for energy-intensive flocculation stages, potentially reducing operational costs for water utilities.

Study tested particles around 15 micrometers; effectiveness on the smallest microplastics most dangerous to human health remains to be demonstrated at scale.