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A photo of a manta ray. Researchers have figured out how manta rays can filter plankton and small fish from huge amounts of water. The results can be used to create filtration systems capable of cleaning the microplastics of the ocean. ( State University of Oregon | Youtube )
The sophisticated filtration system of giant manta rays could be the key to rid the ocean of waste in the future.
In a new study, scientists examined the liquid-solid filtration system of marine animals, which can separate large volumes of particles, such as tiny plankton and small fish, from water. The team recreated the physical modeling of manta ray gills to simulate how manta rays separate solid and liquid particles that allow high flow rates without clogging.
The study was published in the journal Scientists progress.
Manta Ray Filtration
Manta rays, unlike other predators of the sea, do not hunt their prey. Instead, they capture huge amounts of water, trapping plankton, as well as small fish and other crustaceans, in their mouths.
People have assumed that the gills of manta rays work like a pasta strainer; the particles stay inside while the water flows from its holes. However, Raj Divi, a graduate student in biology at Cal State Fullerton, found that this was not the case. The manta rays filter is much more sophisticated than expected.
"The results of our study show that manta rays are doing something very tricky, creating what we call a" ricochet filter "to separate food from water," says Misty Paig-Tran, Education Consultant. . "The particles enter the mouth, then ricochet over the surface of the filter and head to the esophagus, while the water takes a different path and exits through the gill slits."
More impressive perhaps, Manta ray filters can spot particles much smaller than its pores.
"Although implementations vary considerably, almost all filtration systems rely on two fundamental separation mechanisms, such as sieves, cross-flow, hydrolat and cyclonic separation," he said. -she adds. "On the other hand, Manta rays have a highly specialized filtration feed unit that does not look like these filtration systems."
The researchers hope the study will be used to create an efficient filtration system that can be used to filter particulate-laden waters, especially in remote areas that lack access to safe drinking water.
Cleaning microplastics in the water
Divi also hopes the study will inspire new technologies to clean up waste, especially microplastics, in the oceans.
Studies show that microplastics are the most common type of marine debris in oceans and large lakes. They come from a variety of sources, including the largest plastic garbage that is torn into smaller pieces.
One infamous microplastic type is microbeads, which are used primarily in beauty products such as toothpaste and cleansers.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration stated that microplastics pose a threat to life underwater.
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