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Taking Radioactive Contaminants From Water With Shells

Posted by samzenpus on from the three-shells-clean dept.

RedEaredSlider writes "Crab shells may soon be used to take radioactive contaminants out of water. Joel Pawlak, an associate professor of forest biomaterials at North Carolina State University, has developed a material similar to foam rubber that absorbs water and attaches to molecules dissolved in it, leaving pure and potable water behind. The material is a combination of hemicellulose and chitosan. The first comes from wood and is extracted by the ton in the paper-making process. Chitosan is extracted from ordinary crustacean shells — primarily crab, shrimp and lobster — by treatment with hydrochloric acid and then sodium hydroxide."

3 of 50 comments (clear)

  1. Meanwhile a crowd of crab, shrimp and lobster ... by PolygamousRanchKid+ · · Score: 2, Funny

    ... are planning a march on Washington to protest.

    Chitosan is extracted from ordinary crustacean shells — primarily crab, shrimp and lobster — by treatment with hydrochloric acid and then sodium hydroxide

    .

    Hmmm . . . that is one treatment that I will try avoid, if possible . . .

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    Schroedinger's Brexit: The UK is both in and out of the EU at the same time!
  2. Three Shells by narcc · · Score: 4, Funny

    We've known for years that three shells is all you need to remove common contaminants. Now, if only someone would post instructions...

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    Required reading for internet skeptics
  3. Re:Meanwhile a crowd of crab, shrimp and lobster . by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

    It's a polysaccharide, in which some of the saccharides are D-glucosamine, which is basic.