Chemical cages could tackle water pollution

Everyday items including medications and cosmetics leave behind residues that do not fully break down after use. These pollutants often find their way into water systems, where they disrupt ecosystems and cause harm to plants, animals and humans.

Now, scientists at Manchester University have developed a new method to clean up water using metal-organic cages (MOC) that act like traps designed to catch and hold harmful molecules commonly found in water supplies. Their work is detailed in Cell Reports Physical Science.

Jack Wright, a researcher at Manchester University, who completed the research as part of his PhD, said: “Being able to use MOCs in water is a really exciting development. We know how valuable MOCs are for capturing unwanted substances, but until now researchers have not been able to apply them to real-world water systems.

“Many harmful chemicals are difficult to remove from water, and with water pollution becoming a global crisis, this new MOC technology could provide a valuable tool to help clean up water systems and prevent pollutants from entering our ecosystem, particularly in rivers and lakes near urban or industrial areas where wastewater discharge is most common.”