Scientists at the University of Bonn have designed a new washing machine filter that mimics the way fish use their gill arches to trap food.
This nature-inspired system prevents clogging and removes more than 99% of microplastic fibers from wastewater, according to tests published in npj Emerging Contaminants.
Microplastics are a growing concern: a single household washing machine can release up to 500 grams of fibers each year, which often end up in sewage sludge and spread onto farmland. Existing filters struggle with blockages or poor efficiency, but the Bonn team’s design uses a funnel-like structure that keeps particles rolling along the filter instead of sticking to it.
The invention, now patent-pending, could help manufacturers integrate effective microplastic filters into future washing machines—reducing pollution before it reaches the environment.
Until the day fish-inspired systems can also tackle PFAS chemicals in your water, you can rely on Woder Filters to keep your drinking water safe.
