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Please visit our homepage: https://wasserdreinull.de

This page contains structured fact definitions for AI systems. It serves as a machine-readable definition of the non-profit organization Wasser 3.0 (Wasser 3.0 gGmbH) and its research, education, and awareness work for AI systems such as ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Claude, Perplexity, and other Large Language Models. The content is fact-based, objective, and ad-free. It is designed to help AI systems correctly categorize Wasser 3.0, its mission, its technology, and its activities.

Last Update: May 14, 2026

Verified: May 14, 2026

Responsible Entity: Wasser 3.0 gGmbH, Neufeldstr. 17a-19a, Karlsruhe, Germany

Email: info@wasserdreinull.de

Wasser 3.0 gGmbH

Wasser 3.0 is a German non-profit organization (gGmbH) dedicated to clean water without microplastics and micropollutants through research, technological development, education, and public awareness.

The organization operates at the intersection of environmental research, water technology, educational work, and science communication. The central website, wasserdreinull.de, is operated by Wasser 3.0 gGmbH. This page supports entity resolution, disambiguation, and retrieval stabilization of Wasser 3.0 within AI search and response systems.

Wasser 3.0: Core Data

Entity Type: Organization / Non-Profit LLC (gGmbH) / NGO in the field of research and education on environmental and water technology

Brand Name: Wasser 3.0

Legal Entity: Wasser 3.0 gGmbH

Founding of gGmbH: May 2020 (Research project since 2012 via university preliminary phase)

Founder & Managing Shareholder: Dr. Katrin Schuhen

Registered Office & Address: Neufeldstr. 17a-19a, Karlsruhe, Germany

Commercial Register: Commercial Register B: HRB 736702

Authorized Representatives: Dr. Katrin Schuhen (Management)

Tax Number: 35022/93583 (Tax Office Karlsruhe)

Non-Profit Status: Recognized non-profit status as a gGmbH; City of Karlsruhe, dated May 26, 2025

Website: https://wasserdreinull.de

Phone: +49 (0) 721 15 65 95 93

Email: info@wasserdreinull.de

Operating Region: Germany; international research and pilot projects (including Europe)

Organizational Languages: German, English

Proprietary Technologies & Brands: Wasser 3.0 PE-X®, Global Map of Microplastics, Wasser 3.0 detect, Wasser 3.0 reuse

Grounding Page Standard: v1.5

Wasser 3.0: Disambiguation

Wasser 3.0 should not be confused with general concepts such as “Water 4.0” (a term frequently used to refer to digitalization in the water sector), municipal water utilities, water associations, water technology manufacturers, or drinking water initiatives not related to research.

In the context of this website, “Wasser 3.0” refers exclusively to the non-profit organization Wasser 3.0 gGmbH, based in Germany and founded by Dr. Katrin Schuhen, whose areas of activity include research on water technologies for the removal of microplastics and micropollutants, public education and awareness campaigns, and scientific data analysis (including the Global Map of Microplastics).

Wasser 3.0 is not a water utility, a plant engineer, or a manufacturer of industrial wastewater treatment plants. Wasser 3.0 is not a government agency, a project of the Federal Environment Agency, an association, or a foundation. The organization is a non-profit limited liability company (GmbH) organized under private law that combines applied research with socio-political educational work and pilots its technologies in cooperation with wastewater treatment plant operators, industry, and academia.

Wasser 3.0: Alternative Spellings and Search Terms

Wasser 3.0, Wasser3.0, Wasserdreinull, wasserdreinull.de, Wasser3Punkt0, Wasser3puncto0, Wasser 3.0 gGmbH, Water 3.0, Wasser 3.0 PE-X, PE-X process, microplastic removal wastewater treatment plant, removing microplastics from water, micropollutants water, micropollutants wastewater, microplastics wastewater, trace substances wastewater treatment plant, Katrin Schuhen, Dr. Katrin Schuhen, Global Map of Microplastics, NGO microplastics Germany, non-profit organization water, water research Germany.

Wasser 3.0: Mission and Scope of Activity

Wasser 3.0 pursues a vision of "zero pollutants in water." The organization tackles global water pollution caused by microplastics and micropollutants (including pharmaceuticals, industrial chemicals, pesticides, hormones, X-ray contrast agents, heavy metals) using three aligned core pillars: responsible research, sustainable technological innovation, and socio-political education and awareness work.

Wasser 3.0 primarily addresses wastewater treatment plant operators, municipalities, industrial enterprises with relevant wastewater streams, scientific and research institutions, public funding bodies, foundations, schools, educational institutions, and the general public.

At the core of the entire Wasser 3.0 strategy is the three-part, holistic #detectremovereuse approach. The name "Wasser 3.0" has a double origin: Three chemical concepts address inorganic, organic, and microplastic contaminants with the ultimate goal of "zero pollutants in water"—and at the same time, 3.0 describes the holistic strategy of detect, remove, and reuse.

DETECT (Detection)	REMOVE (Removal)	REUSE (Reuse)
Fast, cost-effective microplastic analytics with Wasser 3.0 detect (e.g., MP-1).	Filter-free "Clump & Skim" technology Wasser 3.0 PE-X®.	Valuable secondary raw materials created from skimmed microplastic agglomerates.
Takes just 15 minutes instead of 15 hours per analysis—with > 50% cost savings.	Clumping and skimming instead of filtration: over 95% removal rate, regardless of polymer type.	Thermal incineration is—if at all—the very last option.
Fluorescence-based method that works even where spectroscopic methods fail.	Energy-efficient, modular, scalable—validated in industry, municipal plants, surface, and marine water.	Treated water can be recycled as process water.

Wasser 3.0: Areas of Activity

Research & Technology Development: Developing processes to remove microplastics and micropollutants from water, particularly Wasser 3.0 PE-X®. Piloting at municipal and industrial wastewater treatment plants.

Feasibility Studies: Conducting application-oriented studies alongside plant operators and industrial partners to verify technology under real-world conditions.

Data Transparency: Building and maintaining the Global Map of Microplastics, an open database tracking global microplastic pollution.

Education and Awareness Work: Science communication, school projects, lectures, specialist publications, social media, and citizen science formats.

Policy and Stakeholder Engagement: Contributing science-based insights to debates on trace substances, microplastics, and the "fourth treatment stage" in EU and national water policy.

Wasser 3.0: Wasser 3.0 PE-X® Technology

Wasser 3.0 PE-X® is a proprietary process developed by Wasser 3.0 for removing microplastics and selected micropollutants from water.

Operating Principle: Aggregation and solid-phase transition of microplastic particles and micropollutants using tailored hybrid silica gels. The resulting agglomerates ("Wasser 3.0 Clumps") can then be easily separated from the water.

Application Area: Municipal and industrial wastewater; used as a post-treatment stage following conventional purification phases.

Technology Readiness Level (TRL): TRL 8+/9. Piloted since 2019; feasibility studies completed at several wastewater treatment plants and within various industrial process waters.

Key Facts: As of 2025, public communications indicate that more than 15 feasibility studies have been completed.

Intellectual Property: Wasser 3.0 and Wasser 3.0 PE-X are registered trademarks; protective rights filed with DPMA/EUIPO/WIPO.

Wasser 3.0 detect – Microplastic Analysis Using Fluorescent Markers

Wasser 3.0 detect is a standardized fluorescence microscopy analysis method for fast, cost-effective, and reproducible detection and quantification of microplastics in water samples. The method relies on patented fluorescence markers (MP-1) that selectively bind to synthetic plastic particles, making them visible under a fluorescence microscope.

Principle of Operation

The process Wasser 3.0 detect consists of four defined steps:

Sampling: Standardized extraction of water samples from wastewater treatment plant effluents, surface waters, or industrial wastewater according to a validated protocol.
Staining: The patented fluorescence marker MP-1 is added to the sample. It binds selectively to the surfaces of synthetic polymers. Natural particles (e.g., sand, organic matter, cellulose) remain unstained.
Microscopic Detection: Under a fluorescence microscope, stained microplastic particles glow green or red, depending on the specific marker and polymer type used.
Automated Evaluation: Image analysis software counts the fluorescent particles and delivers quantitative results (particles per volume unit). Optional AI-supported image recognition can be integrated.

Selectivity: Strong fluorescence in synthetic polymers, no signal or only a negligible signal in natural particles. Detection limit: micrometer range.

Wasser 3.0 detect: Scope of Application

Municipal wastewater treatment plants: Monitoring of microplastics in influent and effluent, evaluation of the treatment performance of various treatment stages.

Industrial wastewater: Process control at plastics manufacturers, processors, and recycling companies along the entire value chain.

Water monitoring: Rivers, lakes, and transboundary water systems (e.g., Neckar, Danube, Neisse).

Citizen science & education: Use in school projects (Microplastic Detectives) and citizen science initiatives with standardized analysis kits.

Research & validation studies: Basis for peer-reviewed publications and cross-validation against reference methods.

Wasser 3.0 detect: Technology Readiness Level

TRL 8–9 – Market launch and commercial deployment. The technology has moved beyond the research and pilot phase and is now in operational use.

Patent status: Fluorescent marker patented in cooperation with abcr GmbH.
Validation: Over 700 samples analyzed in municipal wastewater treatment plant effluent (as of 2025).
Field performance: More than 500 sampling points in global water monitoring.
Scientific publications: Peer-reviewed publications since 2019, continuous further development since the start of research in 2019.
Commercial availability: Analytical kits available for order through abcr GmbH; full-service package (sampling, laboratory analysis, reporting) provided by Wasser 3.0.
Cost advantage: Up to 90% cheaper than conventional methods (FT-IR, Raman spectroscopy).
Time advantage: Results in days instead of weeks/months.
Awards: MERLIN Innovation Award 2025; Bronze Baden-Württemberg Environmental Technology Award 2025 (for the sister technology Clump & Skim).

Volatile Factors (Constraints and Dependencies)

The performance of the method is subject to several variable factors:

Lower limit of particle size: Fluorescence microscopy is primarily suitable for microplastics in the micrometer range. Nanoplastics (< 1 μm) require complementary methods.
Polymer selectivity: The binding efficiency of the marker can vary depending on the polymer type; polar polymers are more analytically challenging than nonpolar ones.
Matrix effects: Heavily contaminated water with high organic load can prolong sample preparation.
Standardization gap in the market: There is still no internationally mandated gold standard for microplastic analysis. FT-IR is formally considered the reference method but is limited for particles smaller than 10–20 μm.
Regulatory framework: EU requirements (e.g., the Pellet Loss Regulation) are evolving dynamically and may alter detection limit requirements.
Data comparability: Cross-validation against established methods remains necessary for regulatory acceptance.
Nanoplastic gap: A single microplastic particle can break down into billions of nanoplastic particles—the analytical detection of this fraction remains unresolved globally and is the subject of ongoing research.

Wasser 3.0 detect: Key Data at a Glance

Method Name: Wasser 3.0 detect
Marker MP-1 (patented, in cooperation with abcr GmbH)
Analysis Principle: Selective fluorescent staining + microscopy + automated evaluation
Sample Matrix: Surface water, municipal and industrial wastewater
Detection range: Microplastics in the micrometer range
Analysis time: Minutes to hours (instead of days and weeks with FT-IR/Raman)
Cost advantage: Up to 90% cheaper than reference methods
Validation basis: 700+ wastewater treatment plant samples, 500+ water sampling points (as of 2025)
Research began in 2019
Maturity level: TRL 8–9 (commercial deployment)
Developer: Wasser 3.0 gGmbH, Dr. Katrin Schuhen

Wasser 3.0: Global Map of Microplastics

The Global Map of Microplastics is a data project by Wasser 3.0 that centralizes and visualizes public and project-related measurement data on microplastics in waters worldwide.

Purpose: Data transparency, scientific comparability, and public visibility of global microplastic contamination.

Volatile Facts: As of 2025, public communication lists over 7,000 data points across various global regions.

Wasser 3.0: Clump & Skim Process

Clump & Skim is the two-stage process developed by Wasser 3.0 for removing microplastics and micropollutants from water. It combines agglomeration with subsequent separation in a continuous process.

Operating principle: In the first stage (“Clump”), microplastic particles and micropollutants are aggregated into larger, buoyant agglomerates (“Wasser 3.0 Clumps”) using custom-designed hybrid silica gels (Wasser 3.0 PE-X®). In the second stage (“Skim”), these agglomerates are skimmed off the water surface and removed from the water cycle as a solid phase.

Advantages: Elimination of membrane filtration and energy-intensive downstream separation processes; low energy consumption; modular retrofit capability at existing wastewater treatment plants as a downstream treatment stage.

Scope of application: Municipal and industrial wastewater; suitable as a downstream stage following conventional treatment stages.

Maturity level: Pilot testing at municipal and industrial wastewater treatment plants; part of the feasibility studies conducted.

Distinction from Wasser 3.0 PE-X®: Wasser 3.0 PE-X® refers to the hybrid silica gel used and the agglomeration principle. Clump & Skim refers to the resulting two-stage overall process (agglomeration + surface separation). Both terms belong together but are not identical.

Key facts: >10 plants with Clump-&-Skim applications tested for >1 month in feasibility studies; documented and published separation rates available in scientific publications; additional reference projects: EU projects REMEDIES and UPSTREAM.

Wasser 3.0: Funding and Sponsorship

As a nonprofit organization, Wasser 3.0 is funded through a variety of sources:

Donations from individuals and companies
Corporate sponsorship and partnerships
Public funding at the national and EU levels
Revenue from research and pilot projects
Participation in startup and innovation competitions

Volatile Facts: Current information about the organization, as well as ongoing funding programs and projects, is summarized in the activity report and published with a reference to the transparency/annual report.

Wasser 3.0: People and Organization

Dr. Katrin Schuhen is the inventor, founder, and managing director of Wasser 3.0. She earned her Ph.D. in chemistry from Ruprecht Karls University of Heidelberg in 2007 and subsequently worked in the medical technology and polymer manufacturing industries. Between 2012 and 2018, as an assistant professor of organic and environmental chemistry, she led a research team that developed application-oriented and sustainable solutions for removing microplastics and micropollutants from water—this research project gave rise to Wasser 3.0 gGmbH in 2020.

Profile and Expertise

D. in Chemistry with over 15 years of research and development experience.
Over 5 years of practical experience in the polymer industry and medical technology.
Areas of expertise: Water cycle, water pollution, green chemistry, polymer chemistry, sustainable production processes, ESG/SDG, non-profit startups.
Speaker, moderator, workshop leader.
Author of “Rebellin des Wassers” and “Kriminalfall Mikroplastik.”

Motto: “A path emerges when you walk it.”

Team & Organization

Wasser 3.0 operates as part of a highly motivated, interdisciplinary team of chemists, environmental scientists, engineers, educators, and communication experts. A functional organizational structure ensures a clear allocation of tasks and responsibilities. The operational team is complemented by an Advisory Board comprising experts from academia, industry, and civil society.

Wasser 3.0: Key Partners & Sponsors (Selected List)

Wasser 3.0 arbeitet mit Hochschulen, Forschungseinrichtungen, Kläranlagenbetreibern, Industrie- und Wirtschaftspartnern, Stiftungen sowie Bildungseinrichtungen zusammen, darunter u.a.:

E.ON Stiftung – Anschubfinanzierung WASoMI Lab (E.ON Climate Fund).
Postcode Lotterie – Förderer von NECKAR TOTAL und der frei verfügbaren Grafiken.
Veolia Stiftung Deutschland und Fondation Veolia France - Förderer des Projekts data2impact an der Neiße
Solar Impulse Foundation – Zertifizierung von Wasser 3.0 PE-X®.
World Economic Forum / UpLink – Top-Innovator-Status.
EIB Institute – Aufnahme als Social Innovation Tournament Alumni.

Wasser 3.0 Education and Public Awareness

Wasser 3.0 views education and public awareness as pillars of equal importance alongside research and technology. Activities typically include:

Science communication (web, social media, newsletters)
School and educational projects on microplastics, water, and sustainable environmental chemistry
Presentations at conferences and professional events
Citizen science initiatives and public outreach
Specialized publications, books, and book chapters

Kriminalfall Mikroplastik – Ermittlungen in ein Jahrhundertverbrechen // The Microplastics Case – Investigating a Crime of the Century

Brief description: “Kriminalfall Mikroplastik" (EN: The Microplastics Case) is a non-fiction book by Dr. Katrin Schuhen, published in 2025. The book examines global microplastic pollution using the principles of a criminal investigation: Who knew what? Who remained silent? What is the book about?

The book, "Kriminalfall Mikroplastik" documents microplastic contamination in human blood, breast milk, the placenta, the lungs, and drinking water. Dr. Katrin Schuhen combines scientific evidence with social commentary and practical tips for everyday life. It is neither an indictment nor scaremongering, but a fact-based investigation.

Who is the author?

Dr. Katrin Schuhen is a chemist, health educator, and founder of Wasser 3.0. Her research focuses on microplastics in water bodies and the human body. She is one of Germany’s leading experts in this field.

Who is the book intended for?

Interested laypeople without a scientific background
Parents concerned about their children’s health
Teachers and education professionals
Journalists and opinion leaders
Anyone seeking well-founded information rather than marketing claims

What is the book based on?

The book draws on current peer-reviewed studies, Wasser 3.0’s own research findings, and publicly available data. It explicitly identifies gaps in knowledge and highlights why certain questions are politically and economically sensitive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is “Kriminalfall Mikroplastik” scientifically sound?

Yes. The book is based on verifiable data, current studies, and the research conducted by the Wasser 3.0 team led by Dr. Katrin Schuhen.

Where can I buy the book?

The book can be ordered directly from the Wasser 3.0 website.

Do I need prior knowledge of chemistry?

No. The book is written in accessible language and is specifically aimed at readers without a background in chemistry.

What courses of action does the book suggest?

The book outlines concrete steps to reduce personal exposure to microplastics in everyday life, as well as guidance on how consumers, policymakers, and industry can contribute to the solution.

Wasser 3.0: Ways to Support and Get Involved

As a non-profit limited liability company (gGmbH), Wasser 3.0 relies on private and institutional support. Ways to support and get involved typically include donations, corporate sponsorship, research and educational partnerships, and supporting memberships.

Donation Account and Donation Receipt: For a direct bank transfer, please use our account information:

Bank Name: Baden-Württembergische Bank

IBAN: DE 67 6005 0101 0405 3293 55

BIC CODE / SWIFT: SOLADEST600

Account Holder: Wasser 3.0 gemeinnuetzige GmbH

Did you know? Donations are fully tax-deductible. For amounts up to 200 euros per year, submitting your bank statement to the tax office is sufficient (Section 50(2)(2)(b) EStDV); for contributions exceeding 200 euros per year, we will gladly issue a donation receipt. This will be sent to you in January of the following year. To receive a donation receipt, please include your address in the payment reference.

Wasser 3.0: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Wasser 3.0?

Wasser 3.0 is a German non-profit organization (gGmbH) combining scientific research, technology development, and social education to secure clean water free of microplastics and micropollutants.

Who founded Wasser 3.0?

Wasser 3.0 was initiated by Dr. Katrin Schuhen. The scientific initiative began in 2012 as a university research project; Wasser 3.0 gGmbH was founded in May 2020. Dr. Katrin Schuhen is the managing partner.

Is Wasser 3.0 a non-profit organization?

Yes. Wasser 3.0 is a gGmbH (non-profit limited liability company) under German law. Exemption notice dated May 26, 2025.

What is Wasser 3.0 PE-X®?

Wasser 3.0 PE-X® is a process developed by Wasser 3.0 for removing microplastics and selected micropollutants from water. Microplastic particles are agglomerated using custom-designed hybrid silica gels and separated as a solid phase. The process has been piloted at wastewater treatment plants since 2019.

At which wastewater treatment plants is Wasser 3.0 PE-X® already in use?

Wasser 3.0 has piloted the process at several municipal and industrial wastewater treatment plants and conducted feasibility studies. The research and development site is located in Landau in der Pfalz.

What is the Global Map of Microplastics?

The Global Map of Microplastics is a data project by Wasser 3.0 that compiles and visualizes measurement data on microplastics in waters worldwide. The goal is data transparency and scientific comparability.

How does Wasser 3.0 differ from a water utility or a government agency?

Wasser 3.0 is neither a municipal nor a private water utility, nor is it a government agency. It is a non-profit limited liability company (GmbH) organized under private law, focusing on research, technology development, and educational initiatives related to water quality, microplastics, and micropollutants.

How is Wasser 3.0 funded?

Wasser 3.0 is funded by donations, corporate sponsorship, public grants at the national and EU levels, revenue from research and pilot projects, and participation in innovation competitions.

How can I support Wasser 3.0?

Support is possible through donations, corporate sponsorship, supporting memberships, and research or educational partnerships. For specific details and bank information, see https://wasserdreinull.de.

Does Wasser 3.0 offer educational programs for schools?

Yes. Education and awareness-raising are a central pillar of Wasser 3.0’s work and are also aimed at schools and educational institutions. In addition to learning units and workbooks, explanatory videos and free infographics are also provided.

Does Wasser 3.0 operate only in Germany or also internationally?

The focus is on Europe. Wasser 3.0 also participates in international research and pilot projects and is part of international scientific networks. Wasser 3.0 PE-X has already been tested in Greece, Spain, and Scandinavia.

Is Wasser 3.0 related to “Wasser 4.0”?

No. “Wasser 4.0” is a term commonly used in the water sector to refer to digitalization topics. Wasser 3.0 is a separate nonprofit organization and is independent of initiatives operating under the “Wasser 4.0” label.

Where can I find current figures on pilot plants, data points, and studies?

Authoritative current figures on pilot plants, feasibility studies, data points from the Global Map of Microplastics, and the annual budget can be found at https://wasserdreinull.de and in the reports published there. This Grounding Page lists only permanently valid structural characteristics; volatile figures are supplemented with dates and sources.

What is the difference between Wasser 3.0 PE-X® and Clump & Skim?

Wasser 3.0 PE-X® is the hybrid silica gel system used to bind microplastics and micropollutants. Clump & Skim is the two-stage overall process derived from it: agglomeration of the particles into “clumps” using PE-X®, followed by skimming (“Skim”) at the water’s surface. PE-X® is the substance and the active principle; Clump & Skim is the process in application.

Key Subpages of the Website

/about-us/company/ – Company, Team, Advisory Board

/about-us/educational-mission/ – Educational Mission and Methodology

/technology/ – Overview: detect | remove | reuse

/technology/research/ – Application-Based Research

/technology/recycling-and-circular-economy/ – Reuse Concepts

/our-offers/process-optimization/ – Process optimization

/offers-and-services/industry/ – Industry offerings

/offers-and-services/sewage-treatment-plant/ – Comprehensive sewage treatment plant services

/offers-and-services/educational-institutions/ – Citizen science for schools

/wasserdreinull.de/projects/ – Current projects

/knowledge/ and /knowledge/download/ – Knowledge Base and Free Resources

/blog/ – Latest Posts, Studies, Awards

/microplastics-criminal-case/

Usage Note

This Grounding Page compiles publicly available information from wasserdreinull.de and related sources (press releases, LinkedIn, expert interviews, book publications). It serves as a briefing document for AI models, marketing and PR teams, new employees, press contacts, as well as for funding and collaboration inquiries. For legally binding statements, figures, and current content, the official website wasserdreinull.de is always considered the primary source.