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Plastic pollution has escalated into a global emergency, with over 8 million tons of plastic entering oceans annually. While large pieces of plastic pollution are easy to spot, it’s the tiny microplastics—smaller than 5mm—that pose a more hidden and serious danger. These particles infiltrate water supplies, food chains, and even human organs. Enter Fionn Ferreira, an Irish teen whose groundbreaking ferrofluid invention won the 2019 Google Science Fair, offering a scalable solution to this invisible menace.
Who Is Fionn Ferreira?
Growing up in the picturesque coastal region of West Cork, Ireland, Fionn Ferreira was surrounded by natural beauty—but he couldn’t ignore the increasing signs of pollution along its shores. A polymath from a young age, he:
- Curated exhibits at the Schull Planetarium by age 15.
- Mastered three languages (English, Irish, German).
- Won 12 science fairs before his 18th birthday.
- He was even honored with a minor planet named after him — 31926 Ferreira — by MIT, recognizing his contributions to science.
His passion for chemistry and environmental science drove him to tackle microplastics, inspired by the polluted shores of his hometown.
What Are Microplastics?
Microplastics are categorized by size (≤5mm) and origin:
- Primary Microplastics: Intentionally small, like microbeads in cosmetics.
- Secondary Microplastics: Fragments from degraded plastics (e.g., bottles, fishing nets).
Sources include:
- Synthetic textiles (35% of ocean microplastics).
- Tire abrasion (28%).
- City dust (24%).
A 2019 WWF study found humans ingest 5 grams of plastic weekly—equivalent to a credit card.
Why Are Microplastics a Global Threat?
- Environmental Impact: Marine life ingests microplastics, causing blockages, starvation, and toxicity. Coral reefs, vital to marine biodiversity, suffer reduced growth.
- Human Health Risks: Studies link microplastics to inflammation, endocrine disruption, and carcinogenic effects.
- Persistence: Microplastics take centuries to decompose, accumulating in soil, water, and air.
The Google Science Fair: A Launchpad for Innovation
The Google Science Fair empowers teens to solve global challenges. Sponsored by Lego, Virgin Galactic, and National Geographic, it awards a ,000 scholarship to the Grand Prize winner. In 2019, Fionn bested 3,800 entries with his ferrofluid microplastic extraction method, praised for its simplicity and scalability.
