Researchers have recently developed an innovative filter capable of removing over 95% of microplastics from water. This “biomass fibrous” foam filter, made from cotton-derived cellulose and chitin sourced from squid, retains its efficiency across at least five cycles of filtering lake, coastal, irrigation, and still water (Wu et al., 2024).

Meanwhile, other scientists are studying the natural filtration mechanisms of marine animals like manta rays, whales, and fish gills to design similarly (if not more) effective systems. By integrating these nature-inspired solutions into everyday appliances like washing machines, they hope to tackle the global microplastic problem, as washing machine wastewater alone is thought to account for an estimated 35% of microplastic pollution.

Y Wu, S Chen, J Wu, F Liu, C Chen, B Ding, X Zhou, H Deng. Revivable self-assembled supramolecular biomass fibrous framework for efficient microplastic removal. Science Advances. 10: eadn8662, 2024.

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Categories: Environment, Nature's Solutions, Ocean Life

Tags: biomimicry, engineering, Environment, Filtration, health, microplastic, nature, plastic, plastic-pollution