Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF -Fri-Yay/Good News

~ John W. Howell

Today’s good news story comes from Clever Journey’s newsletter.  It was sent to me by GP, whose blog is at  https://pacificparatrooper.wordpress.com

Breakthrough at Texas University as Researchers See Plant Extracts  Remove Microplastics From Water

Researchers from Tarleton State University in Texas have discovered that plant-based extracts, particularly from okra, fenugreek, tamarind, and cactus, can significantly remove microplastics from wastewater.

In San Francisco Bay

Some plastics are made to be small. These are known as primary microplastics, like the microbeads intentionally added to face washes and other personal care products. But most microplastics come from the slow disintegration of larger plastic products, including plastic wrap, takeaway containers, polyester clothes, tires, paint, and artificial turf. These are known as secondary microplastics.

Exposure to microplastics can also occur through inhaled air. Data from animal studies have shown that once absorbed, plastic micro- and nanoparticles can distribute to the liver, spleen, heart, lungs, thymus, reproductive organs, kidneys, and even the brain (crosses the blood–brain barrier).

Key highlights:

Okra and fenugreek mucilage (plant-based goo) work by acting as a natural coagulant.

When combined in the correct ratios, they can remove up to 90% of microplastics from water.

Unlike synthetic coagulants (like polyacrylamide), these natural alternatives are non-toxic and environmentally friendly.

The study is part of an effort to find sustainable solutions to the growing problem of microplastic contamination in water bodies.

The extracts are especially effective when removing microplastics from the ocean and freshwater sources.

The lead researcher, Dr. Rajani Srinivasan, emphasized that this approach could make wastewater treatment safer and more eco-friendly, especially in areas lacking access to expensive treatment technology.

Meanwhile, common chemicals found in plastic products—especially phthalates and BPA—have been linked to a significantly increased risk of heart disease.

These chemicals are widely used in items like water bottles, food packaging, and toys. According to research, such exposure may contribute to over 350,000 deaths globally each year due to cardiovascular complications.

Phthalates are known to disrupt hormones, raise blood pressure, and increase the risk of conditions like diabetes and heart failure.

Scientists are urging more regulation and awareness as plastic pollution continues to impact public health.

The good news in this story is that there is continued concentration on solving the single-use plastic problem. Today’s JohnKu talks about hope. I wish you a very peaceful weekend.

Progress by John W. Howell © 2025

There are several ways,

To eliminate problems . . .

Keep hope up on all.

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Published by John W. Howell

I have been working in business for over forty years and now have the time to work in special areas of interest. My passion has always been to create compelling stories of fiction. I have authored six novels and am working on my Seventh. The first novel is still in manuscript form and being utilized as a door stop in the laundry room. The second is a contemporary fiction novel of 89,000 words and is complete and I am currently seeking a publisher. I also write poetry but have not had the guts to share any with anyone. The one time I read a piece to a person their only comment was, “it doesn’t rhyme.” I will continue to write and hopefully my blog, Fiction Favorites at www.johnwhowell.com will provide some entertainment and an interesting thought or two. I live in the Austin area with my wife Molly and an assortment of loving pets.

86 thoughts on “Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF -Fri-Yay/Good News”

  1. Very cool advancement. Though the explanation of how we ingest plastic makes me wonder if we’ve become an entire species of living action figures. Only no kung-fu grip and some of us don’t have joints that bend effectively.

    Liked by 1 person

  2. Finally… a good reason for okra’s existence 😉

    All jokes aside, this is a most wonderful thing! Excellent share this Friday. Hope your day is a fabulous one.

    Liked by 1 person

  7. This sure sounds like a great logical discovery. To hear that harmful chemicals are in water bottles is shocking. I see people in the store with a big load of bottled water in their shopping carts.

    Liked by 1 person

  11. It really is good when breakthroughs like this are made. I’ve just read Robbie’s comment. Yes, it would be better if plastics weren’t used, but I sadly can’t see that happening for a long while. But this is a good step on the way.

    Liked by 1 person

  17. I am delighted that solutions are now being found to clear out our oceans and water supplies…
    Though most of our fresh water to our homes is now supplied via plastic piping!… But better than the lead ones that we used to have.. 🙂

    Very GOOD news John.. thank you for sharing xx

    Liked by 1 person

  18. I grew up eating okra (Dad was from the South), and now I’m wondering if I should start eating it again. 😄 What a great post, John. Your Friday discoveries always leave me with fresh hope. 😊

    Liked by 1 person

  27. This sounds good, for sure.

    Still, I’m cynical now to the point where I wonder many things.

    EX: Is there a big corp. with funding in this who doesn’t care about the environment, but is looking for a path to keep manufacturing plastics. After all, it’s a huge industry.

    I have other skepticisms, too, but this is still a great venture!

    Every bit helps, and as JohnKu says – hope.

    ♳X ♴X ♵X ♶X

    ♲X

    Liked by 1 person

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  30. Thank you, dear John! That’s good that the problem of microplastic is widely discussed. This is a real menace for the nature & us. I’ve heard of plants that dissolve it. So, it means that the nature is wise.🌞🍻🍤🍤🍤

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