Study Approach
Explores the reasons we decided to study on this project
Motivation
In a world where connectivity knows no bounds, our journey began when seven like-minded classmates converged in the virtual realm of the Global SchoolNet Club. What initially brought us together was a shared enthusiasm for a cause close to our hearts—protecting the environment. As we navigated the diverse landscapes of our interests and aspirations, a common thread emerged: a collective passion for addressing the alarming issue of environmental degradation, particularly in the realm of marine ecosystems. Experiencing the profound impact of human activities on the planet,
We were deeply moved by the disheartening sight of polluted oceans and the distressing state of marine life. Motivated by a sense of responsibility and a genuine desire for change, our resolve solidified, propelling us towards a singular mission—to create a website dedicated to championing the cause of environmental conservation, with a specific focus on mitigating the menace of ocean trash. Our motivation for embarking on this long and surprising environmental journey stems from a series of shared sentiments among us. The visual assault of marine environments marred by human-generated waste has become a notable reminder of the urgent need for action. Witnessing firsthand the degradation of pristine oceans, we found ourselves compelled to stand as advocates for the voiceless inhabitants of the sea.
The desire to save marine animals from the danger of pollution became an impassioned drive, reflecting on our commitment to fostering a harmonious coexistence between humanity and the planet. Personal experiences played a pivotal role in galvanizing our collective efforts, such as when one of our teammates encountered a heart-wrenching sight—a sea turtle with a plastic bag lodged in its stomach. The profound empathy and sorrow evoked by this encounter became the catalyst for our shared determination to delve into research aimed at understanding and combating the pervasive issue of oceanic pollution. Centering our efforts on the critical theme of ocean trash, we uncovered a beacon of hope —the “Azure Fighter” machine. This innovative technology, designed to combat marine garbage, captivated our attention with its fusion of cutting-edge engineering and environmental consciousness. Intrigued by its potential to revolutionize the battle against ocean pollution, we embarked on a journey of exploration, immersing ourselves in the intricacies of its design, functionality, and impact. The marriage of technology and environmentalism within the “Azure Fighter” resonated deeply with our vision, inspiring us to not only champion its cause but also to disseminate knowledge about its existence and potential impact through the creation of our dedicated website. As we set sail on this digital venture, our dedication to preserving the delicate balance of marine ecosystems propels us forward. Through the synergy of our passion, personal experiences, and the promising avenues presented by the “Azure Fighter,” we aspire to amplify awareness, inspire change, and contribute to a global movement for a cleaner, healthier planet. Our website stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, technology, and the unwavering commitment of seven individuals united by a shared dream of a more sustainable future.
Polluted Ocean
The enormous amount of trashed we collected in the beach
(Taken by one of our teammates)
Research Purpose
The oceans have indeed become a colossal plastic container, a longstanding internationally recognized issue. While the invention of plastic has brought endless convenience and economic benefits due to its low cost, according to development aid: “the global production has surged from 2.01 billion tons to 3.4 billion tons within the past century, a 70% increase.” Despite efforts by some businesses to reuse large plastic fragments, the inevitable neglect of smaller, seemingly insignificant pieces poses a threat. These overlooked microplastic fragments have the potential to disrupt entire ecosystems, causing significant environmental disasters that directly and indirectly impact humanity. Plastic has made countless contributions to industrial development, yet it simultaneously harms the surrounding environment. The discharge of wastewater containing plastic particles from factories contributes to the pollution of rivers, eventually flowing into the oceans. According to Greenpeace: “12.7 million tons of plastic enter the oceans annually, with a mere 9% of global plastic waste being effectively recycled” (2022). The environmental consequences are catastrophic, emphasizing the urgent need for sustainable practices to mitigate the detrimental effects of plastic pollution.
According to the Government of the City of Westminster, the definition of plastic pollution refers to “the accumulation of plastic objects in the Earth’s environment that adversely affects wildlife, habitat, and humans” (https://www.westminster.gov.uk). According to the Ministry of Environment in Taiwan: “until 2023, Taiwan has an estimated amount of accumulated plastic waste of twenty-three million tons of plastic. Moreover, 55% of the plastic is non-recyclable and waste produced after fishing.”
The impact of marine plastic on the ocean is undeniable. Once it enters the marine environment, it affects various aspects, including ecosystems, the environment, and the food chain. Marine organisms often mistake non-biodegradable waste for food, leading to severe consequences such as injury and death. Additionally, the presence of microplastics poses a persistent challenge, as most plastics sink and become difficult to remove from the sea, affecting not only marine life but also humans. The repercussions extend beyond marine creatures, as microorganisms in the ocean ingest plastic particles. Marine mammals and fish, in turn, consume these microorganisms, ultimately bringing plastic contamination to our dinner plates. “In Taiwan, the primary sources of plastic pollution stem from items like plastic bags, disposable cups, discarded fishery waste, and PET bottles” (Chen). Efforts to address and mitigate this issue are crucial for the well-being of both marine ecosystems and human societies.
Plastic is rampant, the marines are the biggest victim (Wabnitz, Colette, and Wallace, 2010). First up are microplastics, made of plastics that have been exposed to radiation for a long period of time and have broken down into molecules that are roughly 5 centimeters in diameter. These microplastics take decades to completely degrade, and the only way to break them down is through the decomposition of microorganisms, which is found more difficult to do due to their small surface area (Greenpeace 2023). Therefore, this unique property requires these macromolecules to coexist with marine life; due to the light weight of microplastics, it is easy to aggregate with plankton on the sea surface, and marine species’ lack of ability to differentiate will ingest microplastics and accumulate them. They harm an organism’s internal organs and capacity for reproduction within the body, which has a substantial effect on most living things, whether they are aquatic or terrestrial (Andrady, 2011). Plastic debris has a harmful impact on other organisms besides marine life. The fishing industry workers salvage these fish species, which have accumulated plastic particles in their bodies, and sell them to humans as seafood. This implies that eating food polluted with plastic particles will also have an impact on people’s health. Biomagnification, which is known as the concentration of pollutants, including microplastics and toxins, increases as they move up the food chain (Kelly, Barry C, 2007). This process intensifies the negative impacts on higher trophic levels, potentially humans who consume contaminated seafood. In addition, there are toxicological concerns. Microplastics have the potential to absorb harmful substances from their surroundings such as Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and other harmful substances that can stick to microplastic surfaces, and if marine life consumes these plastic particles, the accumulated toxins could move up the food chain and endanger humans (Bernes, 1998).
However, the global distribution patterns of microplastics indicate that this issue is not confined to particular regions. The ocean currents, which include surface transport, vertical currents, shipping routes, and trade, are intricately linked with global microplastic distribution patterns. These human activities have facilitated the transport of plastics between seas and continents, introducing the pollutants to regions far from their point of origin. Other than that, the natural currents, for example, vertical currents, have brought the plastics and microplastics from the surface to the deeper layers (Kara, et.al., 2014). These occurrences have contributed to the propagation of pollution to its source and contaminated areas of the environment that were not in close proximity to the contaminated area.
Some possible solutions were the Ocean Cleanup, Seabin Project, and Azure Fighter technology. The Ocean Cleanup project was invented by a Dutch inventor and entrepreneur who was passionate about finding a solution to the pollution in the ocean. According to the BBC, “the Ocean Cleanup uses its “Interceptor” solutions to try to catch rubbish in rivers before it reaches the sea. The tech behind these varies according to factors such as width, depth, flow speed and debris type of the river in question – again assessed using AI-powered cameras” (Fleming and McMahon). The technology was efficient in collecting trash from the ocean by pulling a net and dragging the trash together to compile them. On the other hand, according to the UN, “specialized agency for ICTs, the Seabin is an ocean trash can, in which water is sucked in from the surface and passes through a catch bag inside the Seabin, with a submersible water pump capable of displacing 25.000 liters per hour, plugged directly into 110/220 volt outlet. The water is then pumped back into the marina leaving litter and debris trapped in the catch bag” (UN specialized agency for ICTs). Last but not least, the newest technology was made by a group of passionate young people who hoped to take responsibility to clean the ocean. They invented the Azure Fighter, a boat that is small enough to move through the streams, and riversides in Taiwan. Their innovation relies on the engine to transfer the trash onto the ship and they will further collect the trash. The final version of their innovation successfully collected 2,512 tons of trash just in the first season of 2023.
In essence, the ocean is facing a tremendous problem and there is an urgent need for action. People should start taking responsibility for their part on a daily basis such as decreasing the use of plastic by replacing the plastic into reusable alternatives. Moreover, people could take further action such as creating educational programs, partnering up with youth groups, launching social media campaigns, and getting involved in adopt-a-beach programs. For example, schools and entrepreneurs start an innovative educational plan to get future generations more engaged in the ocean activities and be ocean ambassadors. These days, the young have been especially passionate about becoming a young entrepreneur, and it is a great way to cooperate with young people and connect with them. Social media campaigns can also raise awareness of the severe issue of the ocean. Lastly, the adopt-a-beach program allows local businesses, schools, and organizations to take the initiative to be a part of the solution to ocean pollution – the cleaning of specific beach areas. Small efforts for beach cleanups make a big difference.