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 because of its limited
maximum capacity and currently runs on a wired power source.
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 (“Rivers”), 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 and has a maximum
capacity of 20kg which would require emptying thereafter. Thus, The Interceptor
is far superior on terms of capacity.
According
to the Seabin’s website section (“Technical Specifications”), 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 (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, Kieron. (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, Matt. (2019, Oct 26).
Ocean Cleanup’s New Plastic-Catcher… Kinda Already Exists. Retrieved from https://www.wired.com/story/ocean-cleanup-interceptor/
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