Researchers have discovered that natural extracts from okra pods and fenugreek seeds can remove up to 90% of microplastics from contaminated water—outperforming current synthetic treatment chemicals such as polyacrylamide. The study, led by Dr. Rajani Srinivasan at Tarleton State University and published in ACS Omega, suggests a low-cost, non-toxic alternative for global water purification.
Microplastics—tiny fragments from degraded plastic products—now pollute oceans, rivers, and even drinking water. Though their long-term health effects remain under investigation, microplastics have been detected in human blood, lungs, and placental tissue, prompting calls for safer water treatment.
The team extracted polysaccharides, sticky natural polymers, from okra, fenugreek, and tamarind. In tests, fenugreek removed 93% and okra 67% of microplastics from water within an hour, while a combined extract achieved 70% removal in 30 minutes. The plant-based agents also performed better across real-world water samples: okra worked best for ocean water, fenugreek for groundwater, and a mixture for freshwater sources.
Unlike synthetic chemicals, these biodegradable extracts come from renewable crops, require only water-based extraction, and can be produced locally with minimal equipment—making them especially useful for rural and low-income regions. Both plants grow widely in many climates, reducing costs and supply chain challenges.
The approach aligns with a broader scientific shift toward natural purification methods, such as chitosan from crab shells or moringa seeds for bacterial removal. Future research will scale up the process for municipal systems and test its ability to capture heavy metals and other pollutants.
If successfully commercialised, okra and fenugreek extracts could provide an affordable, sustainable, and non-toxic solution to one of the world’s most pervasive pollution problems—offering a way to clean water naturally and safely.
