title: Novel water filtration of saline water in the outermost layer of mangrove roots.
abstract: The scarcity of fresh water is a global challenge faced at present. Several desalination methods have been suggested to secure fresh water from sea water. However, conventional methods suffer from technical limitations, such as high power consumption, expensive operating costs, and limited system durability. In this study, we examined the feasibility of using halophytes as a novel technology of desalinating high-concentration saline water for long periods. This study investigated the biophysical characteristics of sea water filtration in the roots of the mangrove Rhizophora stylosa from a plant hydrodynamic point of view. R. stylosa can grow even in saline water, and the salt level in its roots is regulated within a certain threshold value through filtration. The root possesses a hierarchical, triple layered pore structure in the epidermis, and most Na(+) ions are filtered at the first sublayer of the outermost layer. The high blockage of Na(+) ions is attributed to the high surface zeta potential of the first layer. The second layer, which is composed of macroporous structures, also facilitates Na(+) ion filtration. This study provides insights into the mechanism underlying water filtration through halophyte roots and serves as a basis for the development of a novel bio-inspired desalination method.
authors: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), San 31, Hyoja-dong, Pohang 790-784, Republic of Korea.
authors: Kiwoong
authors: K
authors: Kim
authors: Department of New Biology, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), 333, Techno Jungang-daero, Daegu, 711-873, Republic of Korea.
authors: Eunseok
authors: E
authors: Seo
authors: Department of Chemistry, Chung-Ang University, 84 Heukseok-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul 06974, Republic of Korea.
authors: Suk-Kyu
authors: SK
authors: Chang
authors: Department of Chemistry, Chung-Ang University, 84 Heukseok-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul 06974, Republic of Korea.
authors: Tae Jung
authors: TJ
authors: Park
authors: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), San 31, Hyoja-dong, Pohang 790-784, Republic of Korea.
authors: Sang Joon
authors: SJ
authors: Lee
mesh_terms: D007477:Ions / Q000737:chemistry; D036641:Microscopy, Fluorescence, Multiphoton; D018517:Plant Roots / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure; D016062:Porosity; D043982:Rhizophoraceae / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism*; D012964:Sodium / Q000378:metabolism*; D018508:Water Purification; D055114:X-Ray Microtomography
chemical_list: D007477:Ions; D012964:Sodium