“Blue Source India” is the name of the new project by HFU professor Dr. Andreas Fath. Water samples have already been collected at the source of the Ganges. Photo: H2Org
Professor Dr. Andreas Fath of Furtwangen University tests the Ganges River for microplastics
Prof. Dr. Andreas Fath from Furtwangen University (HFU) is internationally renowned as the “swimming professor.” In spectacular research projects, he combines extreme sports with science – he has already swum the Rhine, the Tennessee River, the Danube, and most recently the Elbe from the source to the mouth to draw attention to the threat to waterways posed by microplastic pollution. Now Fath is involved in the new international project “Blue Source India” − this time, the chemistry professor is conducting research on the Ganges.
In this extraordinary environmental education project, initial water samples have already been taken during an expedition to the source of the river in the Himalayas, which are now being tested for microplastics and other pollutants. The Ganges is a sacred river – at the same time considered one of the dirtiest rivers in the world. That is why Professor Fath will have to stick to symbolic swimming events this time. These are planned for the end of January. Every year, the Ganges carries well over 100,000 tons of plastic into the Bay of Bengal, collecting waste from thousands of villages and towns along its 2,500-kilometer journey to the sea.
That is why Andreas Fath attaches particular importance to the workshops and educational programmes that he and his team offer to local communities along the river as part of the Blue Source India project. “We combine all our projects with educational initiatives that aim to raise awareness of plastic pollution in sensitive ecosystems and bring about long-term change,” says Fath.
Since Fath's projects always aim to educate people about the important topic of water through science communication, not only locally, an accompanying film will bring the message to the public worldwide. “In it, we'll not only highlight the scientific aspects, but also reflect on the role of the river for the people in the country,” reports Michel Mues, a doctoral student at HFU who will be accompanying the project.
Prof. Dr. Andreas Fath has made water his life's work. Not only in his research, but also with his non-profit organisation “H2Org,” the extreme swimmer is tirelessly committed to water conservation. Among other honours, he has been awarded the Order of Merit of the State of Baden-Württemberg for his work.
