New scientific studies highlight that plant-based solutions can outperform conventional technologies in removing microplastics from water. Natural extracts from okra and fenugreek achieved removal rates of up to 90% in groundwater and 77% in freshwater, surpassing the widely used synthetic polymer polyacrylamide. Researchers say this approach could provide a sustainable, low-cost alternative for addressing the growing crisis of microplastic pollution in drinking water sources.
Aquatic plants are also proving highly effective. Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) was found to eliminate 55–69% of polystyrene particles within 48 hours, reaching nearly 78% after five days, without damaging the plant itself. Similarly, wetland species such as Iris pseudacorus and Lythrum anceps absorbed 70–77% of larger microplastics through their roots, showing that living plants can naturally filter and restore polluted ecosystems. More