RMIT University researchers have developed a magnetic water treatment material that rapidly removes microplastics, nanoplastics and some PFAS compounds, bringing the technology closer to practical use. It builds on the team’s 2022 breakthrough in microplastics removal by capturing much smaller particles in more complex wastewater. Researchers said the ability to remove both microplastics and nanoplastics under practical conditions sets the technology apart. First author Dr Muhammad Haris from RMIT’s School of Engineering said the development addresses a gap in water treatment. The research team is now working with Indigenous owned company Fire and Test Australasia in Geelong to explore stormwater and wastewater treatment applications.