The new sponge removes phosphates from rivers and lakes that lead to blooming

In the natural environment, phosphate is a key ingredient for the growth of aquatic plants and animals. The problem is that

human activity is washing away too muchlarge amounts of it into waterways from the earth's crust. This leads to active algae blooms on the surface of lakes and rivers, depriving other aquatic organisms of the oxygen they need to survive.

New sponge material - PEARL membrane - solvesproblem. It not only captures phosphate from water sources, but collects it for reuse. Phosphate is commonly used in agricultural fertilizers.

Northwestern University

American scientists from NorthwestUniversity created a porous and flexible material covered with nanostructures. They bind to phosphate ions and remove them from polluted water. By changing the pH levels in the material, phosphates can be removed and the sponge can be reused.

Scientists also plan to adapt the sponge to purify water from heavy metals and say by changing the nanomaterial in the membrane coating.

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