Valparaiso University's Dr. Julie Peller, a professor of chemistry, has secured a patent for new methods focused on distributing and removing microplastics and nanoplastics from water. This development represents a significant advance in understanding and addressing pervasive plastic pollution. The patent, titled “Methods for the Formation of Nanoplastics and the Agglomeration and Removal of Microplastics/Nanoplastics from Water,” provides tools for both studying these tiny plastic particles and potentially clearing them from water sources.
The research by Professor Peller and her collaborators contributes to a global effort to combat plastic waste, which Statista data indicates generates 360 million tons worldwide each year. While direct human health impacts are still under investigation and fall outside Professor Peller's research scope, microplastics and nanoplastics are widely present, found in nearly every person. Her work, however, could provide crucial foundational understanding for specialists exploring health implications.
One aspect of the patented method allows for the consistent distribution of plastic particles in water, a challenge under normal laboratory conditions because plastics and water do not mix evenly. By introducing dodecane, an oily substance, and then using ultrasonic mixing, the method achieves an even dispersion of both the dodecane and the plastic particles throughout a water sample. This technique enables researchers to create controlled mixtures of specific plastic particle sizes, allowing them to simulate various environments where plastics are present, including conditions within the human body. Professor Peller noted that “Dodecane can mimic parts of fatty tissue,” which not only aids in developing new solutions but also offers new insights for collaborators studying body tissues. The presence of similar organic substances in natural bodies of water, such as Lake Michigan, suggests that this type of mixing can occur naturally. Professor Peller and her students have previously conducted work gathering and cataloging plastic waste in Lake Michigan.
The second part of the patent focuses on the agglomeration and removal of microplastics and nanoplastics from water. This process employs hexadecane, another oily substance, to cause the plastic particles within a water sample to clump together. Once aggregated, these larger plastic masses can be more easily removed. The method has demonstrated success across different types of plastic and varying water purity levels. While promising, the technique has not yet been tested for larger-scale removal applications. Dodecane can also facilitate the agglomeration and removal of plastics, but Professor Peller, along with collaborating faculty and graduates from the University of Notre Dame, found hexadecane to be more effective for this purpose.
Both elements of the patented research will be the subject of continued study at Valparaiso University. Professor Peller plans to work with chemistry majors, including Jaden Gibson ’27 and Vincent Grisolano ’28, to conduct additional tests on the solubilizing process. Concurrently, environmental engineering students from both Valparaiso University's College of Engineering and the University of Notre Dame, under the supervision of Dr. Kyle Doudrick, will continue to develop and refine the agglomeration process. Chemistry major Jaden Gibson highlighted the persistent nature of plastic pollution, stating that “plastic doesn’t degrade at all,” but rather breaks down into smaller, often invisible particles that could pose health risks. Gibson further emphasized the importance of understanding the science behind plastic fragmentation due to its significant environmental impact. The continued research aims to further refine these methods, offering potential advancements in addressing a pervasive environmental challenge.
