According
to the article “Seabin Using Plastic to Fight Plastics” (2019), The Seabin
Project highlights the consequences of micro plastics (2-5mm) in the ecosystem
and discusses the benefits of the Seabin as a holistic solution to the
pollutants in the sea. The article mentions that many sea-creatures ingest
micro plastics as they resemble their food sources in terms of size and
appearance. Micro plastics also gather organic waste at an accelerated rate
compared to other inorganic particles, which have acute detrimental effects on
the marine environment. The article explains that Seabin functions by ingesting
water within its vicinity and traps any detritus through its filtration system
to counter pollution. The article also claims that by integrating sensors onto
the Seabin, it can double up as a monitoring device, allowing more
comprehensive studies on its effectiveness and potential improvements. While the
Seabin is a cost-efficient solution for small-scale marine pollution in lakes
and rivers, it is not suitable for countering larger-scale pollution because of
its limited storage capacity and is reliant on a wired power source.
One
important aspect of any marine-filtering device is its storage capacity. “The
Interceptor” is a similar product to the Seabin in terms of usage and functionality.
Both products are automated and are capable of monitoring its surrounding
waters. The Seabin functions by using a suction at the bottom of the bin,
allowing pollutants to flow into the opening and get trapped in its filter. The
Interceptor, in contrast, works by “funnelling debris into the vessel’s mouth,
where a conveyor belt ferries the trash into onboard containers” (Simon, 2019).
According to the Ocean Cleanup’s website (n.d.), the conveyor system of the
Interceptor allows it to collect 50,000kg or more garbage daily with a maximum
capacity of 50 cubic meters. Comparatively,
the Seabin collects an estimated 3.9kg of debris daily and has a maximum
capacity of 20kg which would require emptying thereafter. Thus, The Interceptor
is far superior in terms of capacity.
Another
important aspect of marine-filtering devices is its power supply to operate. According
to the Seabin’s webpage on technical specifications (n.d), a constant power
supply of 110/220V is required to operate the product, also, the electrical
cable that comes along with the Seabin is only 6 meters long. Thus, the Seabin
would require a power source within its vicinity to operate. When dealing with
pollution in vast areas, it would be nearly impossible to provide power to the
required amount of Seabins. The Interceptor, in contrast, runs on solar energy,
allowing the device to be deployed far into the ocean. Arguably, even if the
Seabin is improved and can run on its own without a power source, one would
need approximately 10000 Seabins to match the collection rate of the
Interceptor which would become impractical.
However,
the Interceptor costs 700,000 Euros (Marchese, 2019) which makes it difficult
for most consumers to afford. According to the Seabin Project’s website, its
product can be acquired for 6300 Euros which is relatively cheaper than most of
the counter pollution products on the market. This allows the general public to
be able to afford the Seabin and start small, subsequently scaling up if
required. The Seabin is also open to purchase by any consumer as compared to
other products like the Interceptor which is only available to certain
organisations. Thus, allowing the Seabin to be used extensively in private
owned marinas and small water bodies.
In
conclusion, because of the low cost, limited capacity and power supply of the
Seabin, it would be a suitable product for countering marine pollution in small
areas. However, to deal with pollution in larger areas, putting numerous
Seabins would not be the optimal solution as there are more suitable products
in the market.
References
Marchese K. (2019, Oct 30).
The ocean cleanup unveils floating garbage truck that catches plastic in
rivers. Retrieved from https://www.designboom.com/technology/the-ocean-cleanup-interceptor-river-plastic-pollution-10-30-2019/
Seabin Project. (2019).
Seabin using plastic to fight plastics. Retrieved from https://seabinproject.com/seabin-using-plastic-to-fight-plastics/
Seabin Project. (n.d.)
Retrieved February 08, 2019 from https://seabinproject.com/the-seabin-v5/technical-specs/
Simon M. (2019, Oct 26).
Ocean Cleanup’s New Plastic-Catcher… Kinda Already Exists. Retrieved from https://www.wired.com/story/ocean-cleanup-interceptor/
