Ocean clean-up innovations

What you need to know

Scientific ocean cleaning innovations

In our previous blog, we discussed how the issue of ocean plastic pollution begins on land, and that the most effective solutions also start there. But what about the massive amount of plastic that ends up in the oceans each year? This post briefly outlines several technologies aimed at cleaning up the oceans.

Various sources, including the Ocean Conservancy, estimate that 11 million tons of plastic waste enter the ocean annually. This staggering amount is equivalent to more than one truckload of plastic being dumped into the ocean every minute. The pollution originates from poorly managed waste, abandoned fishing gear, and other sources, wreaking havoc on marine life and ecosystems, while also contributing to climate change. According to the World Economic Forum there are currently 75 to 199 million tons of plastic polluting our oceans

Addressing pollution at the source

As mentioned, tackling plastic pollution at the source is crucial. Preventing plastic from entering rivers and coastal areas is far more effective than trying to clean it up once it’s already in the ocean. About 80% of the plastic in oceans originates from land, so establishing effective waste management systems worldwide is key. However, many regions lack the resources to recycle plastic, leading to harmful practices like burning or dumping waste into the environment, which harms both ecosystems and human health.

Beach clean-ups

Beach clean-ups are a straightforward and effective way to combat plastic pollution. These efforts are relatively easy to organize and do not require expensive technology. The Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup, for instance, has removed over 325 million kilograms of trash from the environment.

Preventing agricultural runoff

Agricultural runoff can create “dead zones” in oceans, where marine life struggles to survive due to excess nutrients from fertilizers. Farmers can mitigate this by keeping livestock away from water bodies and using natural barriers between farmland and waterways.

Creating corporate incentives to reduce plastic use

Businesses and governments play a crucial role in protecting the oceans. Financial incentives can encourage companies to reduce plastic usage, increase recycling, and promote a circular economy. Successful examples include deposit-return systems that incentivize consumers to recycle packaging.

Developing and enhancing waste management laws

Effective waste management systems and strict laws are essential for keeping oceans clean. While many regions still fall short, progress is being made. For example, cities like New York and Chicago have banned or taxed plastic bags, and the European Union has recently banned single-use plastic products like plates and straws.

Investing in innovations against plastic pollution

Innovation is critical in the fight against plastic pollution. New technologies are being developed to remove plastic from the oceans, improve recycling, and prevent plastic from reaching the sea. Below are eight scientific solutions to plastic pollution:

 

The Ocean Clean-Up: founded by Dutchman Boyan Slat, this project uses “System 001” to collect plastic from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. The goal is to clean up 50% of the plastic in this area within five years.

 

NASA Satellite Technology: since 2016, NASA’s Cyclone Global Navigation Satellite System (CYGNSS) has been able to detect plastic concentrations in the ocean, contributing to further research and aiding organizations in cleaning up the seas and protecting marine life.

 

Plastic-eating microorganisms: in 2016, Japan discovered the enzyme Ideonella sakaiensis, which can break down PET plastic. Researchers have optimized the enzyme to digest plastic more quickly. Additionally, the darkly pigmented fungus Aspergillus tubingensis can degrade polyurethane (PU). Scientist Samantha Jenkins is currently testing this fungus on PET and PU plastics, with the potential to create a new source of biomaterials for food, feed, or antibiotics.

 

Magnetic coils: scientists have developed magnetic coils that can target microplastics in the ocean. This experimental nanotechnology can break down microplastic without harming marine life.

 

Conversion to fuel and roads: the Australian company Licella Holdings has developed technology to convert plastic into oil, allowing it to be recycled repeatedly. PlasticRoad created a bike path in Zwolle with 70% recycled plastic, offering a sustainable alternative to asphalt.

 

Substituting with seaweed: bioplastics made from seaweed are emerging as a significant alternative to traditional plastics. Indonesian startup Evoware collaborates with local seaweed farmers to create various packaging types, including sandwich wraps and spice sachets.

 

Plastic Bank: this social enterprise Plastic Bank pays above-market rates for plastic waste, which is then recycled and sold as “Social Plastic®.” This encourages people to collect plastic before it reaches waterways, exchanging it for social benefits like money or food.

 

Nicholas Institute’s Plastic Technology Inventory: the Nicholas Institute has compiled an inventory of 52 technologies currently in use or under development to prevent or collect plastic pollution. The study highlights the urgency of both preventing plastic from entering waterways and cleaning up existing pollution to protect aquatic systems and human health.

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