idw – Informationsdienst Wissenschaft
Nachrichten, Termine, Experten
Nachrichten, Termine, Experten
idw - Informationsdienst
Wissenschaft
Researcher from Furtwangen University Launches New Extreme Sports Project for Water Protection
Prof. Dr. Andreas Fath, internationally known as the "swimming professor" from Furtwangen University, is embarking on a new extreme sports project to raise awareness about water pollution caused by microplastics. The scientist has previously swum the Rhine, the Tennessee River, and the entire Danube. Now, the next extreme sports project in the name of water protection is set: On 16th August, Fath will dive into the Elbe at Smirice in the Czech Giant Mountains, aiming to reach the river’s mouth in Cuxhaven just 25 days later. Along the way, not only will daily water samples be collected, but Fath and his team will also conduct a large-scale awareness campaign on water protection.
Having already swum thousands of river kilometres, the chemist and professor at Furtwangen University’s Schwenningen campus has often declared each project to be his last. Yet, his lifelong passion for water keeps driving him. Fath has been swimming since childhood, even competing in the German Bundesliga at one point. During his extreme projects, he spends eight hours a day in the water. “I’m just good at it,” he says with a shrug.
Combining science and extreme sports, Andreas Fath advocates for clean water wherever he goes. Whether he is swimming in rivers, giving lectures, presenting films about his projects, or letting school classes try out the various modules of his “Knowledge Workshop”, his goal is always to raise awareness about water protection.
For his "PureElbe" project, Fath’s non-profit company H2Org collaborates with the Alliance for a Plastic-Free Nature. In addition to Furtwangen University, companies hansgrohe and Arburg are supporting the scientist as sponsors.
Andreas Fath is eagerly looking forward to swimming the 1,083 kilometres of the Elbe (starting from kilometre 11): "Every river is different. I am very curious to see how the Elbe will feel." On his journey, he will also pass through cities such as Dresden, Magdeburg, and Hamburg. With workshops, seminars, and press events, the scientist and his team will raise awareness for water protection. In addition, his scientific team—two students from Hochschule Furtwangen will accompany the journey—will constantly collect and analyse water samples. A filter membrane attached to Andreas Fath's wetsuit mimics fish skin, providing additional insights.
The entire journey along the Elbe can be followed on the project website www.pureelbe.org – including a map that documents the exact stages and kilometres swum.
Prof. Dr. Andreas Fath
Prof. Dr. Andreas Fath
BRAXART
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