Researchers from a Canadian university have introduced a promising method to purify wastewater by removing harmful nanoplastics. The approach centers on transforming waste epoxy resin into activated carbon through a controlled thermal process, creating a filter medium capable of capturing plastic pollutants before they reach natural water bodies. The researchers describe the development as a meaningful step toward cleaner water and a healthier environment, with the method demonstrated in a laboratory setting as a proof of concept. The study detailing these results appeared in a peer reviewed journal focused on separation and purification techniques within the field of environmental science.
The process begins with epoxy waste, a material that is typically non-recyclable. By subjecting this polymer to high temperatures in a carefully managed environment, the material is converted into activated carbon. This form of carbon has a highly porous structure that traps nanoscale plastic particles as water passes through the media. The result is a filtration solution that can be integrated into existing water treatment workflows to reduce the concentration of micro and nanoplastics in treated water.
In testing, the completed filter media achieved a substantial reduction in polyethylene terephthalate, commonly known as PET, which is widely used in beverage bottles and synthetic fabrics. The filtration system removed about 94 percent of PET nanoparticles from the water sample, highlighting the potential of this recycled carbon approach to address a persistent source of microplastic pollution in municipal supplies.
Leading the initiative is a professor who emphasizes the broader aim of eliminating plastic waste by adopting a circular economy. He notes that meaningful progress depends on examining every stage of the plastic lifecycle, from production to disposal, and designing solutions that minimize waste while maximizing reuse and recovery. The research team envisions applying the purification technique to a wider range of plastics and exploring large scale deployment in city wastewater facilities, where the composition of pollutants can be more complex than in lab tests.
Future work will also look at how the activated carbon filter performs alongside other common contaminants found in urban wastewater. Real world treatment plants face a mixture of chemicals and particulates, so researchers intend to assess the durability, cost, and maintenance needs of the technology in ongoing operation. By validating performance under diverse conditions, the team hopes to provide a robust option for utilities seeking to lower plastic pollution without compromising treatment efficacy or energy use.
There is growing concern about the pathways through which microplastics enter the human body and the environment. Studies in various regions have indicated that these particles can persist through water treatment processes and find their way into drinking water and food chains. The current work contributes to the broader effort to reduce such exposure by offering a practical method to intercept plastics before they become part of the circulating water supply. As scientists continue to refine the technique, stakeholders increasingly call for scalable solutions that can be adopted by communities across North America and beyond, balancing environmental benefit with economic feasibility.