Siphon filters seawater: sea squirt

1 of 1 Sea Squirt / Eric Burgers / License

The main body cylinder of a sea squirt filters food and oxygen from water using an oral siphon.

Biomimicry Taxonomy

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Biomimetic Application Ideas

Small-scale water filtration systems.

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[Collapse all sections] Summary

"The sea squirt's body is made up of two cylinders. Water drawn into the main cylinder through the uppermost opening is filtered to extract food and oxygen, then escapes through the lateral cylinder. The small size of the lateral opening causes a rapid jet of water which carries the sea squirt's waste well beyond the incoming water current." (Foy and Oxford Scientific Films 1982:23)

About the inspiring organism

Ascidiacea
Ascidiacea

Organism/taxonomy data provided by:
Species 2000 & ITIS Catalogue of Life: 2008 Annual Checklist

Bioinspired products and application ideas

Application Ideas: Small-scale water filtration systems.

Industrial Sector(s) interested in this strategy: Water supply

References

Foy, Sally; Oxford Scientific Films. 1982. The Grand Design: Form and Colour in Animals. Lingfield, Surrey, U.K.: BLA Publishing Limited for J.M.Dent & Sons Ltd, Aldine House, London. 238 p.

Siphon filters seawater: sea squirt

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