Radiating filaments filter water: fanworms

The radiating filaments of fanworms filter water for food particles efficiently due to increased surface area.

Biomimicry Taxonomy

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Biomimetic Application Ideas

Small-scale water filtration systems.

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[Collapse all sections] Summary

"Increased surface area is extremely useful to many creatures…The radiating filaments of the fanworm filter the water for food particles: the more water is covered, the more food is found." (Foy and Oxford Scientific Films 1982:24)

About the inspiring organism

Sabellidae
Sabellidae

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.

Radiating filaments filter water: fanworms

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