Okra and Fenugreek Extracts Remove 90% of Microplastics from Water

Researchers discovered that polysaccharides from okra and fenugreek can effectively remove microplastics from water, achieving up to 90% removal rates. In laboratory tests, fenugreek extract removed 93% of microplastics in an hour, while okra extract achieved 67% removal. A combination of both extracts reached 70% removal within 30 minutes. These plant-based methods outperformed the commonly used synthetic polymer, polyacrylamide. ([acs.org](https://www.acs.org/pressroom/presspacs/2025/may/research-update-okra-fenugreek-extracts-remove-most-microplastics-from-water.html?utm_source=openai))
The study also tested real-world water samples from Texas, finding that okra extract was most effective in ocean water (80% removal), fenugreek in groundwater (80–90%), and their combination in freshwater (77%). This suggests that the efficiency of these natural polymers varies with water composition. The researchers propose that these biodegradable extracts could serve as safer alternatives to synthetic polymers in wastewater treatment. ([acs.org](https://www.acs.org/pressroom/presspacs/2025/may/research-update-okra-fenugreek-extracts-remove-most-microplastics-from-water.html?utm_source=openai))
Utilizing okra and fenugreek extracts in water treatment could remove microplastics and other pollutants without introducing additional toxic substances, thereby reducing long-term health risks. ([acs.org](https://www.acs.org/pressroom/presspacs/2025/may/research-update-okra-fenugreek-extracts-remove-most-microplastics-from-water.html?utm_source=openai))