Irish chemist's invention to remove microplastics from water lands him in final for top prize

A 22-year-old Irish chemist has been nominated as a finalist in an international inventors competition. 

Fionn Ferreira from Cork has reached the finals of the coveted Young Inventors Prize at the European Inventors Awards thanks to his invention, which removes microplastics from water. 

His latest prototype removes over 85% of microplastics in a single pass without the use of filters or chemicals. 

The chemistry master's degree student and teaching assistant at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands is one of three finalists in the running for the prize, which recognises young innovators aged 30 or under who have developed technological solutions to tackle global problems and help reach the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

Ferreira uses a magnetic liquid called ferrofluid to bind to microplastic particles, separating them from water and allowing for their removal using magnets. 

It produces zero waste by retaining nearly all the magnetic liquid while removing microplastics, which can be outsourced for future recycling possibilities. 

According to the United Nations (UN), there are more than 51 trillion microplastic particles in the seas, and this crisis of plastic waste accumulation is a pressing global issue that has deeply affected Ferreira, whose passion for ocean conservation drove him to develop his innovative solution. 

Ferreira is currently working with the University of Texas in scaling his invention to a commercial model.

Hailing from a family of boat builders, Ferreira was inspired to create his invention when he noticed the amount of plastic by the sea near his home. 

He said, "I was utterly horrified by the massive amount of plastic that has amassed on the shore. The severity of the situation was overwhelming, and I felt an intense sense of urgency to comprehend the grave risks it poses. The fact that these plastics disintegrate into minuscule fragments, ultimately infiltrating our food chain and water, is having a devastating effect on our health. 

"This is a stark reminder of the dire consequences of our actions." 

He added: "The pursuit of a microplastic-free future is a noble and essential cause that demands our attention and action. Everyone who commits to this cause is doing immeasurable good for our planet, and there is no limit to the good that can be achieved when we work together." 

The Young Inventors Prize winner will be announced at the European Inventor Award 2023 hybrid ceremony on July 4, 2023 in Valencia (Spain). 

This ceremony will be broadcast online here.