Mexican Scientists Turn Sargassum and PET Into Water Filters

Mérida, Yucatán — Researchers at the Autonomous University of Yucatán (UADY) have developed filtration membranes made from sargassum and recycled PET bottles that can absorb pollutants from water, offering a potential solution to two environmental problems at once.

The project, led by the Faculty of Chemistry, aims to protect the region’s aquifers and cenotes — part of one of the most important underground water systems in Latin America — from contamination by microplastics, heavy metals, industrial dyes, and pharmaceutical residues.

Unlike conventional filters, the new membranes not only trap particles but also actively absorb contaminants. The team uses biomass that would otherwise be discarded, such as citrus waste and sargassum, to create more active filtration materials.

Irving González, project coordinator, said the goal is to develop membranes that can remove a wide range of pollutants. Maricarmen Chan, a master’s student in chemical and biochemical sciences, explained that one membrane uses pectin from citrus waste functionalized with copper oxide.

Another membrane, described by fellow student Martha González, is designed to exchange ions with heavy metals like cadmium and lead, which have been detected in cenotes and water sources used by local communities.

The technology is still under development but represents a step toward turning waste into tools for environmental remediation.