Hexahydroxyl–Triptycene–Copper Core–Shell Nanospheres for Removal of Microplastics, Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria, and Hypoxia-Causing Agents from Water

Microplastic (MP) pollution presents a significant environmental and health hazard, particularly when coupled with hypoxia-causing agents (HCAs) and antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) in aquatic systems. Conventional water purification methods are insufficient to address the complexity of MPs and their associated contaminants. This study presents a hybrid approach to fabricate core–shell nanospheres for the targeted and efficient removal of MPs, HCAs, and ARB from polluted river water. Comprehensive characterization using size analyzer, surface analysis, dosimetry, charge distribution, electron microscopy imaging, and kinetic studies confirms the enhanced binding efficacy and functionalities of the nanospheres. Taking advantage of the configuration and selective attachment, the nanospheres with 40 nm size display nearly 100% removal efficiencies for microplastics, antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB), and HCA from polluted water outperforming the surfactant functionalized and pristine nanospheres. The recyclability and high selectivity of these nanospheres highlight their strong potential as a sustainable solution for microplastic remediation and broader water decontamination applications.