In a significant step towards tackling the global microplastic crisis, Mia Heller, a junior at Mountain Vista Governor’s School in Virginia, was awarded a $500 prize for her innovative “Self-Recycling System for Microplastic Removal” at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in May. Heller’s groundbreaking work earned her a second-place finish in a category that included young scientists from around the world.
Heller’s project, a prototype that uses a cost-effective and energy-efficient method, addresses a critical environmental and public health issue. Her system leverages ferrofluid, a carrier liquid containing magnetic particles, to attract and remove microplastics from water. According to her project summary, the prototype successfully removed more than 95% of microplastics, while also recycling nearly 87% of the ferrofluid for reuse.
The project garnered significant attention for its potential to make clean water more accessible to underserved communities, particularly in regions where traditional, expensive, and chemical-heavy filtration systems are out of reach. “Traditional water filtration systems’ high costs, reliance on chemical treatments, and maintenance requirements make them inaccessible to underserved areas,” Heller noted in her project abstract. “The system developed offers a potential alternative to existing filtration technologies, and in regions facing barriers to clean water access, could turn the tide on the way water pollution is addressed.”
Heller’s win is a culmination of her hard work and passion for science. She had previously claimed the top award at the Virginia Piedmont Regional Science Fair in March, which earned her the right to compete at the international event. Her research and the practical application of her invention have been recognized by intellectual property professionals, highlighting the project’s potential for future development.
