<Strategies for Removing Plastics from Our Waterways and Oceans>
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Plastics face significant criticism due to their tendency to accumulate in waterways and marine environments. You may have heard of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, an extensive area in the Pacific Ocean where plastics are trapped by ocean currents.
The presence of plastics in rivers and oceans poses risks to ecosystems and aquatic life. To mitigate their destructive impact, various techniques have been devised to remove plastics, addressing both larger debris, known as macroplastics, and smaller fragments, referred to as microplastics. Below are some effective methods:
Large-scale Booms
One effective method for plastic removal is the use of large-scale booms, which are substantial floating barriers designed to capture debris. This approach enables the collection of significant quantities of plastic without harming marine life beneath the surface.
A notable example is The Ocean Cleanup project, which employs a C-shaped boom that drifts with the ocean currents to trap floating debris. The collected trash is then transported to facilities for recycling.
River Booms
Another technique involves river booms, which function similarly to large-scale booms but are specifically designed for rivers. These smaller barriers prevent trash from flowing into larger bodies of water.
For instance, The Litter Boom Project deploys a large barrier anchored on both riverbanks, making it easy to collect waste from the riverbank.
Additionally, the Plastic Fischer Trash Boom utilizes PVC pipes to keep a steel grid afloat, allowing it to capture plastics submerged up to 60 cm deep.
Waterway Litter Traps
A third method involves litter traps that not only act as barriers but also guide waste toward a designated collection point. This facilitates the easier removal of plastic from waterways.
An example is the Bandalong Litter Trap, which has been designed to catch debris in flowing streams.
Robots
The fourth approach is the use of robots equipped with artificial intelligence to collect floating plastics. These devices function best in still water and can distinguish between fish and plastic, ensuring that only debris is captured.
FRED, for instance, is a "Floating Robot for Eliminating Debris" that harnesses solar power to operate its collection vents.
Another innovation, WasteShark, features an open "mouth" that vacuums microplastics and other debris from rivers and canals.
Boats
The fifth method involves using boats equipped with various tools like nets to gather plastic waste. This method allows for larger-scale operations compared to robotic solutions.
An example is ERVIS, a uniquely designed vessel capable of capturing waste of all sizes, which also categorizes the collected debris for proper disposal.
Wheels
Wheels can also be employed to capture waste in strategic locations, transporting debris via conveyor belts into containers. This method operates continuously, day and night.
For instance, Mr. Trash Wheel is strategically positioned in areas with high plastic flow. The water's current turns large wheels, which move the conveyor belts to collect debris efficiently.
Beach Cleaners
The seventh method focuses on cleaning beaches to prevent plastics from re-entering the ocean. This approach effectively tidies up coastal areas.
An example is the Barber Sand Man, which operates like a vacuum to sift through sand.
Another innovation is the Microplastic Buoyancy Filtration Device, which uses water to filter out tiny plastics from sand, transporting them to a collection container.
Additional Methods
Other novel approaches are being explored but require further research to determine their viability on a larger scale.
For instance, Fionn Ferreira has developed a technique that utilizes magnets to extract microplastics by combining magnetic powder with oil to bind to the debris.
Conclusion
In summary, plastics can be effectively removed from our rivers and oceans using various techniques such as large-scale booms, river booms, waterway traps, robots, boats, wheels, and beach cleaners. While additional methods are being developed, they need further investigation before large-scale implementation.
About the Author
Dr. Erlijn van Genuchten is a globally recognized expert in environmental sustainability. As a science communicator, she assists scientists in the fields of nature and sustainability in amplifying their research and enabling practical applications for a sustainable future. Dr. van Genuchten has inspired numerous individuals worldwide through her contributions to the United Nations, her book "A Guide to A Healthier Planet" published by Springer Nature, and her social media engagements.
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Credit
This article draws upon the scientific publication:
Schmaltz, E., et al.(2020). Plastic pollution solutions: emerging technologies to prevent and collect marine plastic pollution. Environment International, 144, 106067.