Story perspectives

Teen Invents Water Filter Removing 96% of Microplastics

3/22/2026

Summary

Story summary

Mia Heller, a Virginia teenager, developed a ferrofluid-based water filtration system that removes 96% of microplastics.
Her prototype filters water in two steps, recycles the ferrofluid, and uses three modules to treat one liter.
Heller earned recognition as a finalist in the 2025 Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair.
Experts praise the work but raise concerns about scalability and disposal of captured microplastics as she envisions a home-use solution.

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Story summary

Mia Heller, a Virginia teenager, developed a ferrofluid-based water filtration system that removes 96% of microplastics.
Her prototype filters water in two steps, recycles the ferrofluid, and uses three modules to treat one liter.
Heller earned recognition as a finalist in the 2025 Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair.
Experts praise the work but raise concerns about scalability and disposal of captured microplastics as she envisions a home-use solution.