Jellyfish used to Combat Micro-Plastic Pollution

An international consortium of researchers is working to create a “gelatinous solution to microplastic waste” by forming a filter made of jellyfish mucus which could filter microplastics from sea and ocean water. The project, Go Jelly, is focusing on how jellyfish mucus filters could be used in wastewater treatment facilities which would prevent the release of microplastics into marine systems. The proof-of-concept for the project was published in 2015; however, there are factors which the researchers must consider for scale-up such as reproducing the mucus extraction process on a larger scale, shelf life of the mucus, and disposal of the material after use.