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By Aayushi Sharma
The ocean is responsible for producing more than half of the oxygen we inhale. Phytoplankton, which are small marine plants living on the ocean’s surface, perform photosynthesis and generate approximately 50-80% of the Earth’s oxygen. For a long time, people believed the ocean was limitless and unaffected by human actions. Until recently, scientists have recognized the severe damage and ongoing threats to oceans due to anthropogenic activities. Climate change, pollution, overfishing, habitat destruction, invasive species, and various other forms of human exploitation have endangered our oceans.
This World Oceans Day, let us look at 5 technological innovations saving the oceans:
- Seabin Project
The Seabin Project is a cleantech startup with a mission to address the global issue of ocean plastic pollution and enhance ocean conservation efforts. Their primary commercial product, the Seabin, is a floating garbage bin designed to intercept trash, oil, fuel, and detergents from the water.
Key Features of the Seabin
- Trash Interception: The Seabin is installed in marinas, ports, and other calm water locations. It operates continuously, capturing floating debris, including plastics and other pollutants.
- Oil and Fuel Absorption: It contains an oil-absorbent pad that helps to clean the water by absorbing oil and fuel, preventing these substances from spreading and causing further harm to marine life.
- Ease of Use: The Seabin is relatively easy to install and requires minimal maintenance, making it a practical solution for various water bodies.
Impact and Effectiveness
The Seabin Project has demonstrated a significant impact in reducing water pollution. Each Seabin can collect around 1.5 kg of debris per day, which totals approximately half a ton of waste per year per unit. This not only helps in cleaning the water but also raises awareness about the extent of pollution in our oceans.
2. Hydrophobic Sponges
Hydrophobic sponges are an innovative solution for cleaning up oil spills in aquatic environments. These specially designed sponges have unique properties that allow them to repel water while selectively absorbing oil. This makes them highly effective in mitigating the environmental impact of oil spills without harming marine life.
Key Features and Benefits
- Selective Absorption: Hydrophobic sponges are engineered to attract and absorb oil while repelling water. This selective absorption ensures that only the oil is collected, making the cleanup process more efficient and effective.
- Environmental Safety: The materials used in these sponges are typically non-toxic and safe for marine life. This means they can be deployed in sensitive ecological areas without posing additional risks to the environment.
- Reusable and Cost-Effective: Many hydrophobic sponges are designed to be reusable. After absorbing oil, they can be cleaned and used again, reducing the overall cost of spill management and minimizing waste.
The image shows a hydrophobic sponge. Credit: Northwestern University
3. 3D Printed Coral Reefs
3D-printed coral reefs represent an innovative approach to marine conservation and habitat restoration. This technology involves creating artificial reef structures that closely mimic the complex architecture of natural coral reefs, providing a habitat for marine life and helping to restore damaged ecosystems.
Key Features and Benefits
- Mimicking Natural Structures: The 3D-printed reefs are designed to replicate the intricate shapes and textures of natural coral reefs. This complexity is crucial for providing shelter and breeding grounds for various marine species.
- Customizable Designs: 3D printing allows for the customization of reef structures to suit specific environmental conditions and conservation goals. Researchers can design reefs to enhance biodiversity and resilience against climate change.
- Materials Used: These artificial reefs are typically made from eco-friendly materials such as biodegradable polymers, calcium carbonate, and other substances that promote coral growth and are safe for marine life.
Credit: NOAA
4. Biorock Technology
Biorock Technology is a groundbreaking approach to marine ecosystem restoration, using low-voltage electrical currents to enhance the growth of limestone structures underwater. These structures act as substrates for coral and other marine organisms, promoting reef restoration and biodiversity.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Limestone Formation: The application of a low-voltage electrical current to submerged metal structures causes the minerals dissolved in seawater, mainly calcium carbonate, to crystallize on the structure. This process results in the formation of limestone, which serves as a solid foundation for coral attachment and growth.
- Enhanced Coral Growth: Corals that settle on Biorock structures tend to grow faster and are more resilient to environmental stresses such as temperature fluctuations and pollution. The electric current enhances the calcification process, making the corals more robust.
- Eco-Friendly: Biorock structures are made from materials that are safe for the marine environment. The process itself is low-energy and does not harm marine life, making it a sustainable option for reef restoration.
5. Bycatch reduction
Bycatch refers to non-targeted species caught during fishing. Fisheries bycatch has been identified as a primary driver of population declines in several species of marine mega-fauna
This will ensure the long-term sustainability of fisheries resources, preserve biodiversity, and protect sea turtles from unintentional mortality related to shrimp trawling. To ensure the long-term sustainability of fishery resources, protect biodiversity, and prevent accidental mortality of sea turtles linked to shrimp trawling, it’s essential to legally enforce the adoption of Bycatch Reduction Devices and Turtle Excluder Devices that best suit the specific regional fishery conditions. This should occur following meticulous scientific evaluation and commercial trials.
References:
https://new.nsf.gov/news/smart-sponge-could-clean-oil-spills
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/280029680_Bycatch_reduction_technologies
https://www.engineering.com/story/coral-relief-how-3d-printing-is-reviving-the-oceans-key-ecosystems
Banner Image Source:
Photo by Saad https://www.pexels.com/photo/underwater-view-of-coral-reef-and-flock-of-little-fish-13010769/
Seabin Image Source: https://rewards4earth.org/seabins/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw34qzBhBmEiwAOUQcF3RWAd8wFgUrDOpXWAnYOUzxDik234UQLtABBlZFqXH4qOBfUoUXehoCOoAQAvD_BwE
