Mumbai University's New Device Targets River Microplastic Pollution

A researcher from the University of Mumbai has received an Indian design patent for a device that captures and sorts microplastics from rivers. Dr. Pandurang Yashwant Patil developed the innovation, which aims to tackle pollution in waterways. The achievement highlights the university’s focus on addressing environmental issues through scientific solutions. Dr. Patil created the 'River Microplastic Capturing and Sorting Device' to intercept particles smaller than five millimetres in river water. The system uses a multi-stage filtration process to separate organic waste from plastic. It then classifies the microplastics through a structured sorting mechanism.

The Department of Environmental Science at the Ratnagiri Sub-campus has long been involved in air and water quality research. This work supports the need for such technology, particularly in the Ratnagiri and Konkan coastal regions, where clean water is crucial for ecosystems and local communities.

University leaders, including the Vice-Chancellor, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Principal, and Registrar, congratulated Dr. Patil on securing the patent. This milestone marks the first step towards manufacturing the device for real-world use. Researchers also plan to upgrade it with solar power, smart sensors for automatic cleaning, and real-time monitoring to improve efficiency. The patent strengthens the University of Mumbai’s reputation for developing practical environmental solutions. The device is expected to help preserve water quality in critical river ecosystems. Its future enhancements could make it a valuable tool for conservation efforts along the Konkan coast.