17-Year-Old Built a Filter That Removes 96 Percent of Microplastics From Drinking Water

Microplastics have been found in human blood, lungs, brain tissue, and even the placentas of unborn babies. They have been found in water from the Mariana Trench to the mountain snowpack on Everest. Current filtration technology removes most of them, but not all, and existing solutions are often expensive, wasteful, or require constant maintenance.

A 17-year-old student from Virginia just built a better option in her garage and kitchen.

Who Is Mia Heller?

Mia Heller is a student at Kettle Run High School in Bealeton, Virginia, who also attends a half-day program at Mountain Vista Governor's School for math, science, and technology. Her motivation for the project was personal and practical.