A team of Princeton alumni has designed a groundbreaking device that mimics the properties of hydrophobic plants to remove microplastics from wastewater. The large implant has been successfully deployed in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and has shown promising results in laboratory tests. The device works by attracting and collecting microplastic particles, which can then be sent to a recycling facility for processing. This innovation is crucial for public safety, as microplastics can accumulate in wastewater through various means, including washing machines, heavy rains, and littering. The Atlantic County Utilities Authority has partnered with PolyGone Technologies, a startup founded by the alumni, to implement the pilot program. The device has the potential to revolutionize wastewater treatment and reduce the amount of microplastics entering the ocean. With the help of this technology, we may be able to mitigate the environmental crisis caused by microplastics, which have been found in every corner of the globe, from the ocean floor to human organs. This is a significant step towards a more sustainable future, and it's heartening to see innovators and entrepreneurs taking action to address this pressing issue.