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New Molecular Trap Developed To Clear Water Pollution
The water crisis around the world isn’t just about water quantity but about water quality, as well, and in the UK water pollution is a particular concern, with figures showing that just 14 per cent of all rivers and lakes in England are currently classified as having good ecological status.
There are many factors affecting the quality of the nation’s waterways, including:
The water industry
The overall impact of the water sector affects 36 per cent of water bodies, with pollution being caused by wastewater, storm overflows and sewage treatment works.
Agriculture
Diffuse farming pollution impacts 40 per cent of waterways, with nutrient-rich materials used to improve soil quality and support optimal growing conditions being washed into rivers, lakes and streams when it rains.
Disused metal mines
Abandoned mines pollute three per cent of waterways, with water draining from these disused sites and wastes being left at the surface, causing pollution and putting aquatic life at risk.
Urban/transport runoff
Some 18 per cent of waterways around England are being polluted by urban and/or transport runoff, where surface water picks up pollutants from urban centres, whether that’s litter, petrol, pesticides, oil spill pollutants or something else.
Forever chemicals
More than a third of water courses in England and Wales have been found to contain medium or high-risk levels of PFAS, also known as forever chemicals, which have been linked to different health conditions, including certain cancers, fertility problems and developmental issues in unborn children.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics, antidepressants, anti-inflammatory drugs and diabetes medications are among those chemicals being found in our water, which could put human health at risk – particularly where antibiotics are concerned, as there is a growing body of evidence suggesting that prevalence in water could lead to antimicrobial resistance.
How can water pollution be addressed?
There are many ways in which water quality can be improved, including greater use of nature-based solutions like wetlands, which remove pollutants through natural filtration processes.
But, of course, necessity dictates that more than one solution must be found and, to that end, researchers from the University of Manchester have been investigating the benefits of a new method of pollution reduction using a molecular structure known as a metal organic cage (MOC).
These tiny cages – made up of metal ions connected by organic molecules – serve as traps, catching and holding harmful molecules that are found in the water supply.
The construction forms a hollow pyramid shape, with specific molecules like gases or pollutants trapped in the centre. Chemical groups known as sulfonates are also incorporated in the structure so that it’s compatible with water and can function in rivers or wastewater streams.
A natural effect called hydrophobic binding is used where contaminants stick to the inside of the cage, instead of staying in the water. This has been found to be successful at capturing pollutants, even in challenging water environments.
Researcher Jack Wright said: “Being able to use MOCs in water is a really exciting development. We know how valuable MOCs are for capturing unwanted substances, but until now researchers have not been able to apply them to real-world water systems.
“Many harmful chemicals are difficult to remove from water, and with water pollution becoming a global crisis, this new MOC technology could provide a valuable tool to help clean up water systems and prevent pollutants from entering our ecosystem, particularly in rivers and lakes near urban or industrial areas where wastewater discharge is most common.”
Researcher Dr Imogen Riddell made further comments, saying that one of the biggest benefits of this way of working is its flexibility.
Using this approach, other water-soluble MOCs could be designed with different properties or sizes, opening the door to other applications in the future, including cleaning up different types of pollutants, developing green catalysts or developing new drug delivery strategies.
How can businesses tackle water pollution?
Prioritising sustainable water management can help businesses make a big impact when it comes to water pollution. Steps to consider include water recycling and reuse, which helps to reduce the amount of waste products making their way to the discharge point.
It can also be useful to carry out a risk assessment so you know how you’re using water and what potential sources of pollution you’re likely to create. This will then allow you to identify the best methods of prevention and reduction.
If you’d like to find out more about how to protect the water environment from pollution in all its forms, get in touch with the H2o Building Services team today.