Monday, February 17, 2020
Design Summary - Analysis Draft 3
In the article, “Seabin using plastic to fight plastic”,
Seabin Project states that microplastics and microfibers threaten marine
ecosystems. The threat is so severe that the UN has called for action.
The Seabin Project (2019) uses Seabin technology to remove
pollutants such as microplastics and microfibers in the water by placing the
Seabin in the water to filter rubbish from the water. The article mentions that
an alternative method would be the “Manta trawl”, in which a certain net is
hauled behind a boat. The article mentions that both methods are equally
“effective in sampling microplastics”. According to the Seabin Project (2019),
with some modifications to the filter, monitoring, and sampling of the
pollutant contents will be cheaper and more time-efficient compared to standard
methods. A catch bag is currently being engineered and tested to capture even
smaller particles.
Despite the restriction on the size of the Seabin’s catch bag
and limited deployment location, Seabin is a more cost-efficient and effective
solution for clearing microplastic compared to The Ocean Cleanup.
The key benefit of Seabin is its potential to capture not
only rubbish but also microplastics and microfibers. The Ocean Cleanup (2020)
states that 8% of the plastic waste in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch is
microplastic. However, this number will increase if the large plastic wastes
reduce into microplastic waste. According to KairO (2011), it takes about 450 to
1000 years for a plastic bottle to breakdown into smaller and smaller pieces before
it finally decomposes. The other 92% of large plastic waste will eventually degrade
into microplastic, which is a great threat to the marine ecosystem. The
EnergyCrossRoads (2017) reports that microplastic pollution affects the
ecosystem greatly as the marine animals might consume the microplastic debris
which will endanger their existence. The main aim of Seabin is to capture these
microplastics before it degrades and reaches the ocean.
Another important benefit of Seabin is its efficiency. According
to the Seabin Project (2019), Seabin can run continuously for long hours once
it is installed in the water as it does not automate, thus not requiring anyone
to control it. The only time Seabin requires manpower is when the catch bag is
full, and actions are required to empty it. Running continuously not only
increases the efficiency of the product, but it also provides more accurate
data as Seabin is collecting micro waste throughout the time, thus generating
more uniform data. The accuracy of the data generated plays an important role
in further improvement of Seabins technology.
Despite Seabin's low cost of operation, efficiency and the
ability to capture microplastic, Seabin has its own set of limitations. The
Seabin Project (2019) states the maximum capacity of the catch bag is 20kg and
must be connected to a power source to extract the water out of the bag. Due to
these limitations, Seabin is devised to operate in calm water with the
facilities readily available to power it. It is ideal for marinas and ports but
not for the ocean, which is where the Great Pacific Garbage Patch is located
at. Seabin is only able to minimise the amount of waste entering the ocean but
is not able to clear the waste that is already in it.
Seabin may not be the best solution to remove plastic from
the ocean on a large scale, however, it is more efficient and effective in
clearing microplastic and microfibers as compared to standard methods. Using
the data gathered from the Seabins, the Seabin technology can advance even more
in the future and expand its range of operation to the ocean. Starting from
marinas and ports, Seabin will be able to reduce the amount of waste that is in
the water.
References:
KairO. (2011). How Long Does It Take
A Plastic Bottle To Biodegrade. Retrieved from February 15, 2020, from https://www.postconsumers.com/2011/10/31/how-long-does-it-take-a-plastic-bottle-to-biodegrade/
seabin.com FAQS. (n.d.). Retrieved
from February 9, 2020, from https://seabinproject.com/the-seabin-v5/faqs/
theoceancleanup.com FAQS. (n.d.). Retrieved
from February 9, 2020, from https://theoceancleanup.com/faq/
Seabin using plastic to fight
plastics. (2019). Retrieved February 2, 2020, from https://seabinproject.com/seabin-using-plastic-to-fight-plastics/
Tikkanen. (2017). Dangers of
Micro-Plastic Pollution. Retrieved February 9, 2020, from http://www.energycrossroads.org/1820-2/
Wednesday, February 12, 2020
Design Summary - Analysis Draft 2
In the article, “Seabin using plastic to fight plastic”,
Seabin Project states that microplastics and microfibers threaten marine
ecosystems. The threat is so severe that the UN has called for action.
The Seabin Project (2019) uses Seabin technology to remove
pollutants such as microplastics and microfibers in the water by placing the
Seabin in the water to filter rubbish from the water. The article mentions that
an alternative method would be the “Manta trawl”, in which a certain net is
hauled behind a boat. The article mentions that both methods are equally “effective
in sampling microplastics”. According to the Seabin Project (2019), with some
modifications to the filter, monitoring, and sampling of the pollutant contents
will be cheaper and more time-efficient compared to standard methods. A catch
bag is currently being engineered and tested to capture even smaller particles.
Despite the restriction on the size of the Seabin’s catch bag
and limited deployment location, Seabin is a more cost-efficient and effective
solution for clearing microplastic compared to standard methods.
The key benefit of the Seabin is its potential to capture not
only rubbish but also microplastics and microfibers. The Ocean Cleanup (2020)
states that 8% of the plastic waste in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch is
microplastic. However, this number will increase if the large plastic wastes
reduce into microplastic waste. The main aim of Seabin is to capture these
microplastics before it splits and reaches the ocean. According to
EnergyCrossRoads (2017), microplastic pollution affects the ecosystem greatly
as the marine animals might consume the microplastic debris which will endanger
their existence. Royte (2018) reported that the microplastic consumed by
animals “block digestive tracts, diminish the urge to eat, and alter feeding behaviour
all which reduce growth and reproductive output”. This results in the fauna
starving to death, affecting the ecosystem.
Another important benefit the Seabin provides is the
efficiency it provides. According to the Seabin Project (2019), Seabin can run
continuously for long hours once it is installed in the water as it does not
automate, thus not requiring anyone to control it. The only time the Seabin
requires manpower is when the catch bag is full, and actions are required to
empty it. Running continuously not only increases the efficiency of the
product, but it also provides more accurate data as the Seabin is collecting
micro waste throughout the time, thus generating more uniform data. The
accuracy of the data generated plays an important role in further improvement
of Seabins technology.
Despite Seabin's low cost of operation, efficiency and the
ability to capture microplastic, the Seabins has its own set of limitations.
The Seabin Project (2019) states the maximum capacity of the catch bag is 20kg
and must be connected to a power source to extract the water out of the bag.
Due to these limitations, the Seabin is devised to operate in calm water with
the facilities readily available to power it. It is ideal for marinas and ports
but not for the ocean, which is where the Great Pacific Garbage Patch is
located at. Seabin is only able to minimise the amount of waste entering the
ocean but is not able to clear the waste that is already in it.
Seabin may not be the best solution to remove plastic from
the ocean on a large scale, however, it is more efficient and effective in
clearing microplastic and microfibers as compared to standard methods. Using
the data gathered from the Seabins, the Seabins technology can advance even
more in the future and expand its range of operation to the ocean. Starting
from marinas and ports, Seabin will be able to reduce the amount of waste that
is in the water.
FAQS. (n.d.). Retrieved from February
9, 2020, from https://seabinproject.com/the-seabin-v5/faqs/
FAQS. (n.d.). Retrieved from February
9, 2020, from https://theoceancleanup.com/faq/
Royte. (2018) We know plastic is
harming marine life. What about us?
Retrieved February 9, 2020, from https://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/2018/06/plastic-planet-health-pollution-waste-microplastics/
Seabin using plastic to fight
plastics. (2019). Retrieved February 2, 2020, from https://seabinproject.com/seabin-using-plastic-to-fight-plastics/
Tikkanen. (2017). Dangers of
Micro-Plastic Pollution. Retrieved February 9, 2020, from http://www.energycrossroads.org/1820-2/
Monday, February 10, 2020
Design Summary - Analysis Draft 1
In the article, “Seabin using plastic to fight plastic”, Seabin Project states that microplastics and microfibers threaten marine ecosystems. The threat is so severe that the UN has called for action.
The Seabin Project (2019) uses Seabin technology to remove pollutants such as microplastics and microfibers in the water by placing the Seabin in the water to filter rubbish from the water. The article mentions that an alternative method would be the “Manta trawl”, in which a certain net is hauled behind a boat. The article mentions that both methods are equally “effective in sampling microplastics”.
According to the Seabin Project (2019), with some modifications to the filter, monitoring and sampling of the pollutant contents will be cheaper and more time efficient compared to standard methods. A catch bag is currently being engineered and tested to capture even smaller particles. Despite Seabin’s size limitation, it can remove microplastics more efficiently compared to standard methods.
The key benefit of the Seabin is its potential to capture not only rubbish but also microplastics and microfibers. The Ocean Cleanup (2020) states that 8% of the plastic waste in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch is microplastic. However, this number will increase if the large plastic wastes reduce into microplastic waste. Seabin aims to capture these microplastics before it splits and reaches the ocean. According to EnergyCrossRoads, microplastic pollution affects the ecosystem greatly as the marine animals might consume the microplastic debris which will endanger their existence. According to Enserink (2017), perch larvae is choosing plastic over their normal diet, which decays their growth, making them an easy target for their predators, disrupting the balance in the ecosystem
Another important benefit the Seabin provides is the efficiency it provides. According to the Seabin Project (2019), Seabin can run continuously for long hours once it is installed in the water as it does not automate and does not require anyone to control it. The only time someone has to check on the Seabin is when the catch bag is full and actions are required to empty it. Running continuously not only increases the efficiency of the product, but it also provides more accurate data as the Seabin is collecting micro waste throughout the time, thus generating more uniform data. The accuracy of the data generated plays an important role in further improvement of Seabin.
Despite Seabins edging in terms of cost, efficiency and the ability to capture microplastic, the Seabins has its own set of limitations. The Seabin Project (2019) states the maximum capacity of the catch bag is 20kg and must be connected to a power source to extract the water out of the bag. Due to these limitations, the Seabin is devised to be placed in calm water with the facilities readily available to power it. It is ideal for Marinas and Ports but not for the ocean, which is where the Great Pacific Garbage Patch is.
The Seabin may not be the best solution to remove plastic from the ocean, however, it is more efficient and effective as compared to standard methods. Starting from Marinas and Ports, the Seabins will be able to clean the waters one step at a time. Also, with the data gathered from the Seabins, the Seabins technology will advance even more in the future and expand its range of operation to the ocean.
References
The Seabin Project (2019) uses Seabin technology to remove pollutants such as microplastics and microfibers in the water by placing the Seabin in the water to filter rubbish from the water. The article mentions that an alternative method would be the “Manta trawl”, in which a certain net is hauled behind a boat. The article mentions that both methods are equally “effective in sampling microplastics”.
According to the Seabin Project (2019), with some modifications to the filter, monitoring and sampling of the pollutant contents will be cheaper and more time efficient compared to standard methods. A catch bag is currently being engineered and tested to capture even smaller particles. Despite Seabin’s size limitation, it can remove microplastics more efficiently compared to standard methods.
The key benefit of the Seabin is its potential to capture not only rubbish but also microplastics and microfibers. The Ocean Cleanup (2020) states that 8% of the plastic waste in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch is microplastic. However, this number will increase if the large plastic wastes reduce into microplastic waste. Seabin aims to capture these microplastics before it splits and reaches the ocean. According to EnergyCrossRoads, microplastic pollution affects the ecosystem greatly as the marine animals might consume the microplastic debris which will endanger their existence. According to Enserink (2017), perch larvae is choosing plastic over their normal diet, which decays their growth, making them an easy target for their predators, disrupting the balance in the ecosystem
Another important benefit the Seabin provides is the efficiency it provides. According to the Seabin Project (2019), Seabin can run continuously for long hours once it is installed in the water as it does not automate and does not require anyone to control it. The only time someone has to check on the Seabin is when the catch bag is full and actions are required to empty it. Running continuously not only increases the efficiency of the product, but it also provides more accurate data as the Seabin is collecting micro waste throughout the time, thus generating more uniform data. The accuracy of the data generated plays an important role in further improvement of Seabin.
Despite Seabins edging in terms of cost, efficiency and the ability to capture microplastic, the Seabins has its own set of limitations. The Seabin Project (2019) states the maximum capacity of the catch bag is 20kg and must be connected to a power source to extract the water out of the bag. Due to these limitations, the Seabin is devised to be placed in calm water with the facilities readily available to power it. It is ideal for Marinas and Ports but not for the ocean, which is where the Great Pacific Garbage Patch is.
The Seabin may not be the best solution to remove plastic from the ocean, however, it is more efficient and effective as compared to standard methods. Starting from Marinas and Ports, the Seabins will be able to clean the waters one step at a time. Also, with the data gathered from the Seabins, the Seabins technology will advance even more in the future and expand its range of operation to the ocean.
References
Seabin using plastic to fight
plastics. (2019). Retrieved February 2, 2020, from https://seabinproject.com/seabin-using-plastic-to-fight-plastics/
Sunday, February 2, 2020
Summary Draft 2
In the article, “Seabin using plastic to fight plastic”, Seabin Project states that microplastics and microfibers threaten marine ecosystems. The threat is so severe that the UN has called for action.
The Seabin Project (2019) uses Seabin technology to remove pollutants such as microplastics and microfibers in the water by placing the Seabin in the water to filter rubbish from the water. The article mentions that an alternative method would be the “Manta trawl”, in which a certain net is hauled behind a boat. The article mentions that both methods are equally “effective in sampling microplastics”.
According to the Seabin Project,
with some modifications to the filter, monitoring and sampling of the pollutant
contents will be cheaper and more time efficient compared to standard methods.
A catch bag is currently being engineered and tested to capture even smaller
particles. Despite Seabin’s size limitation, it can remove microplastics more
efficiently compared to standard methods.
Seabin using plastic to fight
plastics. (2019). Retrieved February 2, 2020, from https://seabinproject.com/seabin-using-plastic-to-fight-plastics/
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Critical Reflection
At the start of the module, my goal was to improve my communication and presentation skills. This module has provided me with several ...
-
In the article, “Seabin using plastic to fight plastic”, Seabin Project states that micro plastics and micro fibers threaten marine ecosys...
-
At the start of the module, my goal was to improve my communication and presentation skills. This module has provided me with several ...
-
In the article, “Seabin using plastic to fight plastic”, Seabin Project states that microplastics and microfibers threaten marine ecosystem...