Absorbent Nanomaterial Called Osorb Can Clean Up Toxic Water

Posted on October 12, 2012

Osorb is a glass nanomaterial that swells rapidy and pulls small toxins into its matrix. It also repels water. Scientists at ABSMaterials says this makes it an ideal material for water treatment. ABSMaterials says some of the contaminants Osorb can capture include volatile organic compounds (VOCs), hydrocarbons, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, herbicides, chlorinated solvents and endocrine disruptors. The substance was discovered serendipitously by chemist Paul Edmiston as he was exploring better ways to find explosives at airports. Edmiston explains Osorb in this video from the National Science Foundation. Take a look:

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