RMIT University's magnetic adsorbent eliminates 95% of microplastics in water

Researchers at RMIT University have created a magnetic water‑treatment material that can capture and remove more than 95% of micro‑ and nano‑plastics, including particles as small as 30 nm, within an hour. Laboratory tests showed about 80% of the contaminants were removed in the first 15 minutes, meeting typical contact times used in treatment plants. The adsorbent also eliminated over 95% of a range of other pollutants such as mercury, chromium, copper, dyes and ibuprofen, and removed more than 88% of polyester micro‑fibres from industrial laundry wastewater.

A prototype system built with Canadian firm One Eye Industries demonstrated rapid magnetic recovery of the material for reuse. The research team is partnering with Indigenous‑owned Fire and Test Australasia and Australian company Star Water Group, whose clients in the United States are seeking tighter micro‑plastic controls. The development aligns with increasingly strict regulations on micro‑plastics and PFAS in Europe and the United States, though PFAS removal remains at an early stage.