Swimming Professor Reaches Ústí nad Labem

Prof. Dr. Andreas Fath is internationally known as the "swimming professor". Currently, he is on his new, spectacular project "Pure Elbe", which combines science and extreme sports: Professor Fath is swimming the entire Elbe River to raise awareness about microplastics!
On August 21, the scientist will reach Ústí nad Labem. Fath's journey began on August 16 in the Czech Giant Mountains; on September 10, the project will conclude at the mouth of the Elbe in Cuxhaven. In Ústí nad Labem, a presentation of the "Pure Elbe" project and the Elbe Parks Initiative will take place in the Famile Schicht Park in collaboration with the Czech Republic’s Nature Conservation Agency. The focus will be on how to protect the Elbe River, including the significance of the many dams and river barriers. Following this, the "Pure Elbe" project team plans a discussion with representatives of the city and region, as well as experts from the city administration and faculty and students from the University of Ústí nad Labem.
Prof. Dr. Andreas Fath teaches chemistry at Furtwangen University in the Black Forest. To draw attention to water pollution caused by microplastics, the scientist has already swum the Rhine, the Tennessee River, and the entire Danube. With the "Pure Elbe" project, Fath is less concerned with achieving another sporting feat than with bringing the issue of clean water to the forefront. During his journey, not only will daily water samples be taken, but Fath and his team will also
conduct a large-scale awareness campaign on water protection. Workshops, seminars, and press events along the river will aim to raise awareness of the issue. Fath will pass through cities such as Dresden, Magdeburg, and Hamburg on his way to the North Sea.
During his journey, Fath spends around eight hours a day in the water. Using a special membrane on his wetsuits, he collects additional samples while swimming to detect microplastics in the Elbe River.
In his "Pure Elbe" project, Fath's non-profit company H2Org is working with the Alliance for a Plastic-Free Nature. In addition to Furtwangen University, companies hansgrohe and Arburg are also supporting the scientist.
The entire journey along the Elbe can be followed on the project website External link opens in a new window:www.pureelbe.org – including a map that documents the exact stages and swum kilometres.