Okra is known for its slimy texture, especially when cooked. Apply this attribute to microplastics and you have a natural way to collect them out of drinking water and the ocean. (Image: Saucy Salad via Flickr CC BY 2.0)Okra is a vegetable, but it carries seeds.
The microplastic problem
- Microplastics are a category of pollutant derived from the breakdown of other plastics to sizes 5mm and smaller
- These tiny particles can be generated by anything from laundering polyester clothing and the natural wear of car tires, to the breakage of all manner of plastic products after they become brittle in the sun
- Because plastic doesn't really break down into its natural components for thousands of years, microplastics accumulate rapidly in the environment and have become so globally pervasive that one cannot avoid consuming them
- The long-term effects of consuming plastic are unclear, and many parties are looking for ways to remove it from our environment
Okra attracts microplastics with its natural stickiness
- Dr. Srinivasan was investigating the use of food-grade plant extracts in the removal of microorganisms, when she thought "Why not try microplastic?"
- She and a group of undergraduate and environmental science master's students applied polysaccharide extracts of seven plants - aloe vera, cactus, fenugreek, okra, psyllium, tamarind, and cactus individually and in combinations
- The results?
- All the plant extracts performed at least as well as the synthetic flocculant polyacrylamide
- They can be swapped into the existing treatment systems
Okra is high in vitamin C, a valuable antioxidant that helps reduce the risk of cancer and alleviates the symptoms of asthma.
- In addition, okra acts as a neutral diuretic - meaning it does not come with side effects.
- If okra is not in your diet, try this super-simple recipe and start enjoying the many benefits of this odd little fruit today.
https://www.visiontimes.com/2022/09/02/okra-attracts-microplastics-in-water.html
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