What did we do?

We developed magnetic alginate beads synthesized from invasive macroalgae and demonstrated their effectiveness in water purification of microplastic and heavy metal. The beads can be regenerated through simple washing, enabling multiple cycles of reuse. After use, they can either be redeployed for further water treatment or repurposed as a slow-release fertilizer, ensuring a sustainable application. Experimental validation confirmed both the purification efficiency and the dual functionality of the beads.