Subscribe now

Chemistry

Swarm of nanorobots can remove tiny plastic fragments from water

In just 2 hours, small metal robots can capture most nanoscopic plastic particles from a sample of water

By Karmela Padavic-Callaghan

25 April 2024

garbage in sea water

Tiny robots might offer a way to clean up plastic pollution in water

dottedhippo/Getty Images

Tiny magnetic robots can help remove some of the smallest plastic particles from polluted water.

Most plastics eventually end up as tiny fragments that then hide in our environment, food and drinking water. There is no consensus on the health implications of ingesting plastic yet, but early research suggests that plastic particles can enter organs within the body and that this process gets easier as the particles get smaller.

However, efficiently detecting and removing the tiniest of…

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox! We'll also keep you up to date with New Scientist events and special offers.

Sign up

To continue reading, subscribe today with our introductory offers

View introductory offers

No commitment, cancel anytime*

Offer ends 2nd of July 2024.

*Cancel anytime within 14 days of payment to receive a refund on unserved issues.

Inclusive of applicable taxes (VAT)

or

Existing subscribers

Sign in to your account