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
prime solution for small-scale marine pollution in lakes and rivers, it is not suitable
for countering larger-scale pollution as the Seabin currently runs on a wired
power source and hundreds of units would be necessary for a large area like the
ocean.
One
similar product to the Seabin is “The Interceptor”. 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 on the other hand works
by “funnelling debris into the vessel’s mouth, where a conveyor belt ferries
the trash into onboard containers” (Simon, 2019). According to The
Interceptor’s website, the conveyor system allows its product to be able to collect
50,000kg or more of garbage daily with a maximum capacity of 50 cubic meters. Comparatively,
the Seabin collects an estimated 3.9kg of debris daily has a maximum capacity
of 20kg and requires emptying thereafter. Thus, The Interceptor is far superior
in terms of capacity.
According
to the Seabin’s technical specifications stated on its website, 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 on the other hand, 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 cost 700,000 Euros which makes it difficult for most consumers
to afford. According to the Seabin Project’s website, the 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 organizations. Thus, allowing
the Seabin to be used extensively in private owned marinas and small water
bodies.
In
conclusion, because of the low cost and limited capacity 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 an optimal solution as there are more suitable products in the market.
References
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/
The Ocean Cleanup. (n.d.) Retrieved
February 08, 2019 from https://theoceancleanup.com/rivers/
Matt Simon. (2019, Oct 26). Ocean
Cleanup’s New Plastic-Catcher… Kinda Already Exists. Retrieved from https://www.wired.com/story/ocean-cleanup-interceptor/
No comments:
Post a Comment