Swimming for the environment: Professor Fath tests Elbe on microplastics

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A unique project that not only promotes environmentally conscious action, but also provides scientific knowledge, starts in the heart of Europe. The chemist Andreas Fath goes on a challenging trip: in just 25 days he wants to swim through the Elbe more than 1000 kilometers to draw attention to the problem of water protection.

from the Czech Republic to the North Sea

The professor of the Furtwangen University of Applied Sciences in the Black Forest at the upper reaches of the Elbe in Smirice, a city in the Giant Mountains. Fath plans to swim during his extraordinary tour through important cities such as Dresden, Magdeburg and Hamburg to Cuxhaven, where the river flows into the North Sea. His goal is not just a sporting nature - it brings scientific aspects.

on the trail of microplastics and education

A central concern of Andreas Fath is to check the water quality of the river, especially on microplastics and other harmful trace elements. This is done in cooperation with his team, which regularly takes water samples. In addition, Fath plans a comprehensive educational program that includes workshops and seminars to raise public awareness of the challenges in water protection.

a "floating professor" with a mission

The 59-year-old scientist is internationally known as a “floating professor”. He had previously carried out similar projects, including swimming the Rhine, Tennessee River and the entire Danube. With his “Pure Elbe” project, he not only wants to draw attention to the pollution of the waters, but also to the barriers caused by people who hinder the movement of fish and other water creatures. This has serious effects on biodiversity that is essential for a healthy ecosystem.

a big step for water protection

Andreas Faths project is an important step in environmental education and water protection. Through his sporting performance and accompanying scientific studies, he hopes to achieve many people and to sensitize the public to the need for environmental protection. At a time when the contamination of the waters is a global problem, Fath's initiative is an inspiring example of how sport and science can go hand in hand to cause positive changes in our environment.