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.
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.
Fiction Favorites 
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.
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Well, they say we all have plastic in us, so your scenario may be true.
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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.
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Thank you, Dale. I hope all the work done on plastic bears fruit soon. I have to return the hope that your day is as fabulous as you. (I know, sweet talker) 😊
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Yes, indeed. We have to fix what we broke. And you can sweet talk me any time!
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😀
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Sounds like a promising discovery!
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We have to hope so.
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It would be nice to find a good use for okra.
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Wouldn’t it? 😊
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😁I can’t abide the stuff.
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I’m shocked you don’t like slimy greens
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*shudder*
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*double shudder*
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😁
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😀
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I thought it was a great idea, let’s use that hope that more and more water treatment facilities use these new breakthroughs.
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I agree, GP. Thanks again for the story.
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Sure thing!
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😊
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I’m so glad to see all the work being done on plastics, and it’s all because of your Friday posts, John. Have a great weekend!
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Ha ha ha. I love that comment, Teri. If it were only true.
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This is an interesting discovery. It’s like a bio friendly oil slick method of removing plastics.
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That describes it perfectly. 😀
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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.
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Yes, it is shocking, Tim. I use tap water, and who knows what’s in that.
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Marvelous news, John.
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I agree, Pat.
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👍👍👍
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😊
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It’s reassuring that so many scientists are working on this, isn’t it. Thanks for the good news.
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I think it is vital to human and animal health that something be done.
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This sounds like it may help the plastics problem. It would, of course, be better if plastics just weren’t used. Thanks, John
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I agree. It would be better.
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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.
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Yes, we could all stop using plastics, but then the supply chain would grind to a halt.
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It really would. So we have to find ways to work with it like this.
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I agree. There has to be a better way. Thanks, Esther.
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This may be the first time I have ever said this… 3 cheers for Okra!
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I will cheer with you.
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This is fascinating, John. I recently discovered there are microplastics in unsuspecting places such as sea salt. Who knew? I agree with the JohnKu!! We have to keep hope alive!
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Anything that comes from the sea has the potential of having plastic particles in it. Yes, keep hope alive.
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Wow.
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Where have you been?
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Wow that is impressive and good news and Tarleton State University on top of it. That’s not exactly MIT.
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No, it is not. Shows genius can sprout anywhere.
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Yes you are right
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😊
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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
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Thanks for reading and the nice words, Sue.
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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. 😊
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I think you can leave the okra to the professionals. 😀
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More good stuff, and man . . this microplastic is EVERYWHERE. It’s scary.
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It is scary. And you are right, it is everywhere.
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This is good news, indeed, John! I hope they can keep their research funded.
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I agree.
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Great news, John, and always keeping hope alive!
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That is the key.
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Happy Father’s Day too! 🙂
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Thank you, Lauren.
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I hope they keep this up! So many great programs are getting cut these days by the government.
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And some not so great.,
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We love the idea that this latest environmental assault is being addressed. The extent of this contamination is staggering so any progress is welcome!
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I agree, Monika. I just hope it comes sooner than later.
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Me too, John.
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😊
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Hope springs eternal.
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Yes, it does.
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Wow! This is brilliant, on top of being good news.
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I agree. 😊
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Good old plants! Yay! Also, frightening about plastics contributing to heart disease death.
😦
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I guess the heart has not figured out how to deal with plastics. Best we get rid of it in the water.
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Indeed!
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😊
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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
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I don’t think there is a big corporation behind this. It is students doing their best. 😀X📚X
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Yay!
😀X📚X😀X📚X
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🏆X
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This is great news. Didn’t you recently post the same thing was discovered in Japan? 🙂
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A little different, but attacking the same problem.
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Well there’s lots of hope then! 🙂
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Yes, there is. 😀
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[…] Favorites: https://johnwhowell.com/2025/06/13/friday-johnku-aka-tgif-fri-yay-good-news-122/ Some plastics are made to be small. These are known as primary microplastics, like the microbeads […]
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Thank you for the link, Traci
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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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Nature is wise, and I hope we humans catch up.
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