Rice University scientists have developed something akin to the Venus’ flytrap of particles for water remediation.
Rice University scientists have developed something akin to the Venus’ flytrap of particles for water remediation.
Micron-sized spheres created in the lab of Rice environmental engineer Pedro Alvarez are built to catch and destroy bisphenol A (BPA), a synthetic chemical used to make plastics.
The research is detailed in the American Chemical Society journal Environmental Science & Technology.
BPA is commonly used to coat the insides of food cans, bottle tops and water supply lines, and was once a component of baby bottles. While BPA that seeps into food and drink is considered safe in low doses, prolonged exposure is suspected of affecting the health of children and contributing to high blood pressure.
Read more at Rice University
Image: Rice University graduate student Danning Zhang, who led the development of a particle that attracts and degrades contaminants in water, checks a sample in a Rice environmental lab. (Credit: Jeff Fitlow/Rice University)
