The Plastic Collector: A Sustainable Solution for Cleaner Waters

“Meso and microplastic collector made during Techno-Aesthetic-Detailing classroom course.”

Duration:

8 weeks

Mentor:

Kuntal De

Team member:

Tejas Pawar

Aim:

“To develop a product capable of rotating and creating a whirlpool in a fluid, which could be used to filter degraded plastic particles.”

Introduction

Plastic pollution is a growing crisis, with over 8 million metric tons of plastic entering our oceans annually. Rivers, as primary carriers of plastic waste, contribute significantly to this problem. Over time, these plastics degrade into smaller particles, known as micro and mesoplastics, which threaten marine ecosystems and risk entering the human food chain. During my Techno-Aesthetic Detailing course, I took on the challenge of designing a device to tackle this issue by collecting degraded plastic particles from aquatic environments.

Scenarios and Problem-Solution Set

To lay the groundwork for this project, I began by identifying opportunity areas through the lens of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. I explored four key categories: Affordable and Clean Energy, Life on Land, Life Below Water, and Good Health and Well-being. From this exploration, I selected the scenario of Life Below Water and developed a focused problem-solution set. The process involved defining the core issue, understanding its broader implications, and ideating a sustainable solution that aligned with the chosen scenario.

The Problem

Plastic pollution in the oceans is a global crisis, with nearly 80% of it traced to about 1,000 rivers. Annually, eight million metric tons of land-based plastic enter marine ecosystems, and the plastic sedimentation doubles every 15 years.

As plastics break down into smaller particles, they resemble food for marine life, from plankton to whales. This widespread contamination is evident in 114 aquatic species, with over half of them passing microplastics into the human food chain.

To combat this issue, it’s essential to focus on cleaning the rivers, the primary source of oceanic plastic pollution. Addressing this will help reduce microplastics in the ocean, protect marine life, and safeguard human health.

Plastic Influx

Each year, around 8 million metric tons of plastic enter our oceans, with plastic sedimentation doubling every 15 years, exacerbating the problem.

Environmental Breakdown

Sunlight, wind, waves, and heat break down plastic into smaller particles that marine life, including plankton, bivalves, fish, and even whales, mistake for food.

Microplastics in Aquatic Life

Microplastics have been found in 114 aquatic species, with more than half of these contaminants eventually ending up in the human food chain.

The Idea Behind The Collector

The guiding principle was straightforward: create a device capable of generating a vortex to draw in water and filter out plastics. Inspired by natural and mechanical systems, the vortex mechanism proved to be an efficient way to separate microplastics from marine life without causing harm.

From Concept to Creation

The design process began with extensive research to validate the vortex principle. After several iterations, I arrived at a modular design that prioritized functionality and environmental impact. Key features of The Collector include:

Vortex Mechanism: Generates a whirlpool to pull in water containing microplastics.
Efficient Filtration: Separates plastics from aquatic organisms with minimal disruption.
Eco-Conscious Design: Focused on sustainability, reducing waste generation during production.

Inspired by the Lily Impeller designed by PAX Scientific, these turbine blades create spiraling flows to move fluids efficiently. This design mimics natural strategies, such as the vortices used by birds in flight and schools of fish. The spiraling motion reduces friction, allowing fluids to flow smoothly and minimizing the energy required for material transport.

Solution

The Collector is a unique device designed to collect degraded micro and mesoplastics, which can range from 10cm to 5mm in size. This device works by creating a vortex that pulls in the fluid containing both fish and microplastics. The bin section of the Collector is equipped with protrusions and a filter that effectively traps the microplastics and prevents them from escaping.

Working

Product detailing

The design of the turbine blades draws inspiration from the Lily Impeller, incorporating a golden spiral for efficient rotation with minimal energy consumption. Taking cues from nature, the addition of bumps on the blades mimics the principles of shark skin, reducing drag and optimizing fluid dynamics. Inside the turbine, strategically placed protrusions serve a dual purpose, both inspired by nature and addressing a critical issue. These protrusions act as filters, trapping degraded plastic as the fluid passes through, contributing to a solution for plastic pollution. This innovative design not only enhances the turbine's performance but also actively addresses environmental concerns by capturing and containing micro and mesoplastic particles.

Product parts

Pitch Video

In the pitch video for "The Collector," I explain how the product works, highlighting its key features and functions. The video provides a straightforward overview of the product's design and operational efficiency, emphasizing its role in addressing plastic pollution while optimizing energy consumption.