04/14/2026
Mia Heller, an 18-year old student from Warrenton, Virginia, invented a prototype filtration system that removes roughly 96% of microplastics from drinking water. Heller states she was motivated by local reports of PFAS and microplastic contamination in her community. Watching her mother constantly replace expensive, high-maintained filter membranes inspired her to find a more sustainable membrane-free solution.
Instead of traditional physical barriers, the device she created uses a magnetic liquid called ferrofluid. This magnetic oil binds to microplastic particles, which are then pulled out of the flowing water using a magnetic field. The system is designed to recycle about 87% of the ferrofluid, making it a low-waste and cost-effective option.
While currently a prototype capable of filtering about one liter at a time, Heller envisions the technology eventually being used as an affordable, under-the-sink home system.
This is an INCREDIBLE invention at just the right time as microplastic pollution is only growing worse with every single day that passes and the human body struggles to filter out microplastics itself leading to accumulation in the body and health complications. I will put the impacts of microplastics on the human body in the comments section. Take great care of yourselves!
