Marimo for monitoring and filtering of aquatic environments

Aegagropila linnaei (commonly known as "Marimo") forms dense spheres of intertwined algae filaments capable of capturing and retaining a wide range of particles and microorganisms (up to 2 mm in length) from freshwater environments. This study explores the potential of Marimo as a sustainable tool for environmental monitoring and water filtration. We present a novel, non-destructive method for extracting entrapped materials (including microplastics, sediments, and indicator species) and evaluate various analytical techniques for characterising the extracted content. A prototype Marimo-based filtration system was developed, demonstrating significant reductions in microbial contaminants within a recirculating water system. These findings highlight the advantages of using Marimo as a low-cost, eco-friendly solution for long-term aquatic ecosystem monitoring and remediation.