Naturschwämme
Naturschwämme, also known as natural sponges, are primitive multicellular aquatic animals belonging to the phylum Porifera. They are found in oceans worldwide, from shallow coastal waters to the deep sea, and also in some freshwater environments. Unlike most animals, sponges are sessile, meaning they are fixed in one place and do not move. They filter food particles from the water that passes through their porous bodies. These organisms have a simple body plan consisting of a sac-like structure with numerous pores (ostia) for water intake and a larger opening (osculum) for water expulsion.
Historically, humans have utilized natural sponges for various purposes. The skeletal remains of certain sponge species,
In recent times, concerns about the sustainability of harvesting natural sponges have led to increased use