These oilseed meal water filters have been created as part of a study conducted by scientists at the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore and the ETH Zurich research institute in Switzerland.
The study consisted of extracting protects from sunflower and peanut oilseed meal before winding the protein chains together. This formed a series of nanoscale, rope-like structures referred to as protein amyloid fibrils that, when paired with activated carbon, could be used for water filtration. These filter membranes were capable of reducing lead, platinum and chromium by up to 99.89%.
NTU Professor Ali Miserez commented on the oilseed meal water filters saying, "Our protein-based membranes are created through a green and sustainable process, and require little to no power to run, making them viable for use throughout the world and especially in less developed countries. Our work puts heavy metal where it belongs – as a music genre and not a pollutant in drinking water."
Waste Product Water Filters
These Oilseed Meal Water Filters Capture Heavy Metals from Water
Trend Themes
1. Protein-based Water Filters - Creating water filters using nanoscale protein amyloid fibrils paired with activated carbon creates an opportunity for sustainable and effective filtration solutions.
2. Green and Sustainable Water Treatment - By utilizing waste products to create water filters, we can reduce pollution and waste while implementing sustainable and eco-friendly water treatment systems.
3. Heavy Metal Removal Technology - Developing new methods for removing heavy metals from water sources will improve access to clean drinking water and mitigate health risks associated with heavy metal exposure.
Industry Implications
1. Water Treatment Industry - Incorporating protein-based filter technology into existing water treatment systems presents an opportunity for companies to offer innovative and eco-friendly solutions.
2. Agriculture Industry - Creating value from waste products like oilseed meal could generate a new revenue stream for agricultural companies while promoting sustainable practices.
3. Developing Economies - Protein-based water filters offer a low-cost and sustainable solution for clean water access in developing economies that lack access to traditional filtration technologies.