Removal of microplastic contaminants by a porous hybrid nanocomposite and using the earthworms as a biomarker for the removal of contaminants

Abstract

The current study aims to remove the process of dangerous microplastic pollutants such as Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and other pollutants like dyes and heavy metals by a novel porous hybrid nanocomposite (HNCP) depending on the nanomaterials surface pore with the surface of reduced graphene oxide (rGO). The adsorption process and photocatalytic are used to evaluate the efficiency of the fabricated nanocomposite against the organic pollutants (microplastic, dyes) and inorganic pollutants (copper Cu2+ and cobalt Co2+). The photocatalytic efficiency records at 94% for methylene blue (MB) and 64% for polyethylene terephthalate microplastic (PET). Adsorption efficiency at 58% (Co2+), 56% (Cu2+), 99.4% (MB), and 31% (PET). The cytotoxicity assay of porous hybrid nanocomposite emphasizes the safety of materials for the environment and humans. The effect of this porous hybrid nanocomposite on earthworms is considered a biological indicator of the efficiency of the porous hybrid nanocomposite during exposure to pollutants. The effect of microplastic on the weight and morphology of earthworms, histopathology of epidermal tissues, and histopathology of the intestine have been determined. The porous hybrid nanocomposite is a promising candidate for removal the of organic pollutants (microplastic and dyes) and has the ability against heavy metal pollutants, also it is a safe hybrid nanocomposite for humans and the environment.