The purpose of this project was to investigate innovative methods for removing microplastics from water, building on previous research that identified significant microplastic contamination in the Black Sea and Romanian coastal lakes. Various types of microplastics—including fibers, fragments, pellets, and granules—are present in large quantities in collected samples, reflecting a global environmental issue.

Based on these observations, our project aimed to move from problem identification to solution development. The main focus was to test an experimental method for microplastic removal using ferrofluids created from simple, accessible materials (iron filings and oil), combined with electromagnetic separation techniques.

A second major goal was to apply this experimental method in a practical context by designing a conceptual water treatment system. This system integrates conventional treatment stages (mechanical, physical, and biological) with an additional stage specifically dedicated to microplastic removal using our method.

The project sought to combine environmental awareness, experimental innovation, and engineering design, contributing to the development of more efficient and adaptable water purification solutions.