Fionn Ferreira, a 22-year-old chemistry student with a bachelor's degree in chemistry from the University of Groningen in the Netherlands, has placed third in the Young Inventors Prize at the European Inventor Award 2023.
The Irish environmentalist has created a way to remove microplastics from water using a unique mixture.
Ferreira's invention uses ferrofluid, a magnetic liquid mixture, which binds to microplastic particles, separating them from water and allowing for their removal using magnets.
The latest prototype, supported by Robert Downey Jr.'s Footprint Coalition, removes over 85% of microplastics in a single pass and can be used safely in drinking water. The process does not require filters and produces zero waste. It retains nearly all the magnetic liquid while removing microplastics.
Ideally, the collected microplastics can be outsourced for future recycling possibilities, making the process environmentally friendly.
Speaking on his prize, Ferreira said: "Receiving this prestigious award is not just a personal achievement, but a profound acknowledgement of the urgent need to combat the devastating impact of microplastics on our planet's water systems. It also highlights how young inventors like me can make a difference."
Ferreira is currently working with the University of Texas in scaling his invention to a commercial model.
"Together, we can combat environmental challenges no matter what age we are or our technical background," he said.
This year marks the second edition of the Young Inventors Prize, which the European Patent Office (EPO) established to inspire the next generation of inventors.
The prize 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's invention contributes to UN SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, as it supports the sustainable management of water resources, wastewater and ecosystems.
