Plastic is one of the most present materials in our daily lives. It is used in packaging, domestic utensils, electronics, among others. However, this material is one of the major environmental problems today, especially when it comes to pollution of the oceans.
To deal with this problem, technology emerges as a great ally against this type of pollution, acting in several ways. Now, check out how technological advancement benefits the collection of plastics in the oceans.
see more
Towards artificial intelligence: Apple plans to integrate chatbot in…
WhatsApp beta offers new configuration to manage channels
Technology against plastics in the oceans
The struggle to maintain stable ocean health is not new. Over the years, plastic consumption increases exponentially and, consequently, the level of disposal as well.
To solve this problem, several environmental guidelines have been raised over the years, resulting in the promotion of recycling and reuse, replacement of plastic and the like. However, the level of plastics found in oceans remains high, and the great hope for reversing this situation is technology.
Through it, we can carry out activities that we normally cannot and on a large scale – which is even better.
Dutch businessman Boyan Slat, 28, founded The Ocean Cleanup (non-profit organization) with the aim of combating plastic pollution in the oceans. For nearly a decade, Boyan has been working hard to reverse the situation in the oceans, and he says it's not a simple task, even with the help of technology. He can now follow the ways in which technology operates in the fight against ocean pollution:
- technological networks
The Dutchman's organization uses 800-metre networks equipped with cameras integrated with artificial intelligence to locate plastic in the ocean. The structure consists of scanning the oceanic surface and demarcating the areas that most need attention.
- Conveyor belt
Focused on the passage of plastics in rivers, this technology prevents plastic waste from reaching the ocean. As a way of intercepting plastic, Ocean Cleanup installs large belts in rivers that remove garbage. Thus, the amount of plastic that reaches the oceans is reduced.