Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a specialized sponge that offers a new approach to removing pollutants from water. This innovative technology is designed to capture and release pollutants such as phosphate, copper, and zinc. The sponge, coated with nanoparticles, has shown success in collecting various contaminants including metals, microplastics, and oil.
The research team published their findings in the American Chemical Society journal Environmental Science & Technology Water. The study outlines how the sponge can be tailored to specific pollutants found in Chicago's waterways and then selectively release them for reuse.
Principal investigator Vinayak Dravid described the technology as a "universal sorbent" that can target specific groups of contaminants like metals or nutrients. Dravid holds multiple positions at Northwestern University and is involved in commercializing this technology through Coral Innovations.
The development attracted interest from StormTrap, LLC, a stormwater treatment equipment manufacturer. They sought to reduce pollutant concentrations to undetectable levels using the sponge platform. The Environmental Protection Agency sets certain limits for minerals based on human health; however, environmental safety often requires lower concentrations.
Ph.D. student Kelly Matuszewski played a crucial role in developing methods to recover valuable resources from the sponge. By adjusting pH levels, she successfully extracted metals and phosphate after several cycles without compromising the sponge's effectiveness.
Matuszewski is also competing in the FoundHer Spotlight competition for early career women scientists at Northwestern’s Querrey inQbation Lab.
The collaboration with StormTrap has facilitated testing of this technology beyond laboratory settings into real-world applications. Future efforts will focus on determining the capacity of these sponges in diverse environments and partnering with other researchers dedicated to cleaner waterways.
This project received funding from Trienens and StormTrap and relates to work supported by the National Science Foundation under grant number ITE-2315268.
Vinayak Dravid and Northwestern hold financial interests in Coral Innovations.