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Fish Inspired Washing Machine Filter Removes microplastics

Fish-Inspired Filter Removes 99% of Microplastics From Washing Machines, Study Finds Microplastic Pollution From Laundry Wastewater Wastewater discharged from washing machines is widely regarded as a major contributor to microplastic pollution — those minute plastic fragments believed to pose risks to both human and animal health. Scientists at the University of Bonn have now devised a filter to tackle this issue, drawing inspiration from the gill arches of fish. In early trials the patent-pending device removed more than 99% of plastic fibers from washing machine effluent. The findings have been reported in npj Emerging Contaminants. How Washing Machines Release Microplastics A single washing machine in a household of four can generate up to 500 grams of microplastics each year, largely due to the abrasion of textiles. Domestic appliances are therefore among the leading contributors to these microscopic particles. At present, microplastics flow straight into the sewage sludge produce...