A 3D-printed water filter developed by researchers at the University of Waterloo in Canada has shown promise in removing 90% of microplastics from water. The findings were published in the journal Separation and Purification Technology and announced in a press release in late September 2026. The filter is made of small discs composed of polylactic acid (PLA), a type of biodegradable plastic derived from plant sources. To enhance its performance, the researchers added polyethylene glycol, a common chemical, which is dissolved in hot water to create tiny pores on the surface of the discs. A special adhesive layer is then applied to help capture microplastics without blocking the pores. The team, led by Tizazu Mekonnen, a professor of chemical engineering, and Ethan Crawford, a research student, tested stacks of 8 to 20 discs. Using 20 filters, they successfully removed 90% of microplastics from water. This is a significant improvement over existing filtration methods. The materials used in the filter are described as inexpensive and widely available. PLA is one of the cheapest materials used in 3D printing, and polyethylene glycol is a common chemical in various industries. The printing process uses fused filament deposition, a method available on most consumer 3D printers. The tests were conducted in a laboratory using wastewater contaminated with polystyrene microplastics. While this is a controlled environment, it differs from the conditions found in real drinking water systems. The researchers plan to adapt the filter for use in wastewater treatment plants and for home use, aiming for a cost similar to popular household filters like the Brita filter. However, the PLA used in the filter is only biodegradable under industrial composting conditions, which are not commonly available to the public. The next goal for the researchers is to improve the filter's ability to capture microplastics smaller than 10 micrometers. These tiny particles are of particular concern to scientists because they can pass through biological barriers and potentially cause harm. Enhancing the filter's performance in this area could lead to more effective solutions for reducing microplastic pollution in water sources.