Modern Technologies for Combating Ocean Pollution
Nuclear Technology in Ocean Pollution Control
Nuclear technology is recognized as one of the most effective methods for addressing plastic pollution in oceans. This approach is referred to as Nuclear Technology for Controlling Plastic Pollution, abbreviated as (NUTEC Plastics).
The methodology relies on two primary techniques to tackle plastic contamination in ocean waters:
Marine Monitoring
This technology provides an accurate assessment of marine pollution levels caused by microplastics. It tracks and measures the movement of microplastic particles and their impact on aquatic life. Based on these data, potential pollution risk scenarios can be developed, and appropriate actions can be taken to mitigate these risks.
Radiation Recycling
Recycling is conducted using gamma rays and electron beams as additional techniques alongside traditional mechanical and chemical plastic recycling methods. Nuclear technology assists in altering specific types of plastics and modifying their properties for reuse. This technique can complement conventional recycling methods by:
- Sorting treated plastic pollutants mechanically based on the polymer type.
- Decomposing plastic polymers into basic components that can serve as raw materials for other plastics.
- Processing plastics to be compatible with other materials, forming more durable composites.
- Employing radiochemical analysis to convert plastic into fuel and raw materials.
Technology for Tracking Oil Spills in Oceans
Oil spills present one of the most significant threats to ocean health. Numerous incidents have led to dangerously high pollution levels, with the 2010 oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico being one of the most severe in history.
In response to this disaster, Advisian developed a modern technology for tracking oil spills on ocean surfaces, known as Oil Spill Tracking Buoys (OSTBs). This technology was initiated in the early 1970s.
These buoys are deployed in large numbers at oil spill sites and gradually disperse with water currents, enabling the tracking of oil spill locations and their spread. Each buoy is equipped with a GPS system, allowing for satellite monitoring of pollution levels and facilitating swift responses for cleanup efforts.
Techniques for Protecting Oceans from Plastic Pollution
The pollution of ocean waters with plastic materials is a widespread issue and one of the most perilous forms of contamination, threatening the health of marine ecosystems. Ocean pollution affects the overall integrity of aquatic environments, compromising not only the health of marine life but also the quality of seafood consumed by humans. Moreover, plastic pollution in oceans contributes to climate change.
Each year, over 8 million tons of plastic end up in the oceans, constituting 80% of the marine debris found in deep waters or on the surface. Consequently, the development of modern technologies is essential for mitigating the impacts of this pollution. Technologies designed to combat ocean plastic pollution can be classified into two categories:
- Preventive Techniques
These techniques focus on preventing plastic materials from reaching the oceans.
- Remedial Techniques
These techniques aim to collect as much plastic waste as possible that has already entered ocean waters. Some techniques specifically target large pieces of plastic, while others focus on the removal of smaller plastic particles and the purification of ocean waters.
Preventive Techniques
Some key preventive technologies for protecting oceans from environmental pollution include:
- In-line Litter Separator
This device is installed alongside drainage systems to filter out plastics washed into rivers, preventing their entry into ocean waters.
- Stormtrap Trashtrap
This system employs a mesh network to capture floating plastic debris and waste from rainwater and sewage, effectively preventing its influx into oceans.
- Cora Ball
These small balls are placed in laundry machines to capture tiny synthetic microfibers, preventing them from entering sewage systems. Various other techniques resemble this concept and aim to trap microfibers during laundry cycles.
Remedial Techniques
Key remedial technologies for protecting oceans from environmental pollution include:
- Holy Turtle Floating Unit
This floating unit, measuring approximately 305 meters, is towed by two vessels to collect floating plastic debris from the ocean.
- Jellyfish Robot
This remote-controlled robot is utilized to collect large plastic waste from waterways.
- Detection of Microplastic Locations
This remote-operated watercraft uses infrared technology to detect microplastics and pinpoint their locations for subsequent remediation.
Technologies to Safeguard Biological Environments in Oceans
Fishery Sensors
Studies have been conducted on deploying underwater sensors to monitor fish populations and their habitats. This technology provides precise data on their environment, which can be analyzed to improve conditions for natural fish habitats, regulate their nutrition, and protect them from pollution and disease threats.
Ice Tracking Technology
Iceberg tracking technologies help safeguard oil tankers from the dangers of colliding with icebergs. These technologies provide early warning systems for approaching ice formations, thereby reducing the risk of collisions that could lead to oil spills and environmental disasters in the ocean.
AI-Powered Cameras
Using artificial intelligence, cameras equipped with 360-degree vision are deployed in ocean depths to monitor various endangered animal species. These cameras capture images, sounds, and movements, gathering vital data for biological monitoring.
Impact of Modern Technologies on Ocean Pollution Prevention
Modern technological innovations utilized in oceans, including sensors, satellites, robots, and artificial intelligence systems, have significantly enhanced the collection of accurate data concerning oceans. This information can now be used to evaluate the health of ocean ecosystems, pollution levels, and identify optimal fishing zones.
Such information is also foundational for developing policies and procedures at national and global levels for various organizations concerned with ocean preservation, aligning with one of the major Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 14, which focuses on protecting marine life globally.
Consequences of Neglecting Ocean Pollution Issues
Neglecting ocean pollution leads to numerous severe negative impacts, the most significant of which include:
- Threats to Marine Life
Marine organisms are among the most affected by ocean pollution, whether from oil spills or plastic waste. Oil spills can suffocate fish by clogging their gills, while many marine animals mistakenly ingest plastic, which can be fatal.
- Decreased Dissolved Oxygen Levels
The ocean is home to vast amounts of slowly degrading plastic pollutants, which deplete oxygen levels over time, leading to critically low concentrations that can be fatal to some marine species.
- Health Risks to Humans
Many toxins ingested by fish and other marine organisms consumed by humans can seep into human tissues, contributing to the spread of chronic diseases such as cancer and congenital disabilities.
The global community is increasingly adopting modern technologies to combat ocean pollution, notably nuclear technology aimed at addressing plastic pollution. Other techniques focus either on collecting plastic waste from oceans using AI systems or preventing plastic entry into marine environments.
Oil spills are among the most dangerous forms of ocean pollution, prompting the development of numerous technologies to mitigate their effects. Key among these are buoys that track oil spill pathways and collect relevant data for effective monitoring and remediation, as well as technologies utilized by oil tankers to avoid collisions with floating icebergs that could cause spills.