Abstract: Microplastics refer to particles less than 5 mm in diameter. They thus provide new, but not uniquely unprecedented, risks to ecosystems and human health through bioaccumulation and long-term environmental persistence. This paper reviews the appropriateness of papaya seeds as coagulants for the removal of microplastics from polluted water responsive to the alarming rise in the presence of microplastic pollution in waters in the Philippines. The research followed five stages: procuring, preparation of coagulant, preparation of microplastic samples, conducting coagulation experiments, and data analysis. There were experiments carried out with the use of ground papaya seeds for the treatment of artificial water samples with pre-set levels of microplastics. Coagulant extracted from papaya seeds was applied in varied amounts during the tests; this was followed by sedimentation to enable the aggregation and consequent removal of microplastics. Analysis was done quantitatively to check the efficiency of the coagulant in lowering the concentration of microplastics. Preliminary results were proof that this charge from papaya seed powder agglomerated the negatively charged microplastic particles, allowing them to be flocculated and removed from water. This study has demonstrated the potential for agricultural waste in the direction of sustainable methods of overcoming microplastic pollution while allowing research on natural coagulants as part of a potential wastewater treatment route.
Keywords: Microplastics, Coagulant, Carica papaya seeds, Microplastic pollution, Water treatment, Sustainable methods.
Title: Exploring the Potential of Papaya (Carica papaya) Seeds as an Innovative Coagulant for Efficient Microplastic Removal
Author: Aliado, Van Meldrei B., Sorongon, Jerrel Jon G., Virly, Jeremy Benedict S., Paul Christian Ybarra Palban, Sherwin S. Fortugaliza
International Journal of Interdisciplinary Research and Innovations
ISSN 2348-1218 (print), ISSN 2348-1226 (online)
Vol. 13, Issue 1, January 2025 - March 2025
Page No: 54-65
Research Publish Journals
Website: www.researchpublish.com
Published Date: 28-February-2025
