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Filtering microplastics like a giant manta ray

Bionic innovation for clean waters

Exclusively for K-Mag

Image: Several microplastic residues lie on a hand next to sand; Copyright: envato

Microplastics can now be found in many areas, including in waters such as the world's oceans; Copyright: envato

26.03.2025

Photo: Man in dark top with longer dark hair and glasses leaning against concrete pillar; Copyright: Pollmeier/HSBI

Tim Robertino Baumann; Copyright: Pollmeier/HSBI

Photo: a ray swims through the sea with its mouth open. Its reflection can be seen on the surface of the water; Copyright: envato

Nature's principles have often helped in the development of modern technology. The rays would probably enjoy helping to clean up their natural environment. Copyright: envato

Innovative microplastic filtering without clogging

Photo: Close-up of chip filled with ink to recognise the structure; Copyright: P. Pollmeier/HSBI

The ink in the chip allows the structure of the filter to be recognised more clearly. Copyright: P. Pollmeier/HSBI

Photo: Close-up of chips for filter experiment; Copyright: P. Pollmeier/HSBI

Microplastic filtration. Copyright: P. Pollmeier/HSBI

Picture: a hand in a blue glove holds two test tubes with liquid. One is clear, the other cloudy; Copyright: P. Pollmeier/HSBI

The result of the experiments in direct comparison: The left container contains the waste, i.e. the water with microplastic particles. Right: clean, clear water. Copyright: P. Pollmeier/HSBI

Future plans: increasing efficiency and opening up new areas of application

Tim Robertino Baumann's research is based on two publications:

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