16. Ocean Debris

Introduction

Each year, between 4.8 and 12.7 million tonnes of plastic waste enter the oceans. The median estimate of 8 million tonnes is enough to cover an area the size of West Yorkshire in plastic waste. Plastics like polystyrene (PS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) became popular after World War II due to their affordability, durability, and ease of manufacturing. Today, global plastic production reaches approximately 385 million tonnes annually, a figure expected to grow by 20% by 2050.

Microplastics, defined as particles between 1–5 mm in size, come from a variety of sources such as exfoliating toiletries, microbeads in personal care products, and packaging for small-scale fertilisers. These microplastics are harmful to aquatic life as they bypass filtration systems, making their way into oceans where they are consumed by marine organisms. While some countries, like the UK, have implemented bans on microbeads and other single-use plastics, ocean currents continue to gather plastic waste in accumulation zones like the "Great Pacific Garbage Patch," an area three times the size of France. Although some initiatives, such as the Dutch-led barrier system, aim to clean up surface-level plastics, the challenge of addressing microplastics and debris that has sunk to the ocean floor remains unsolved. These plastics enter the food chain and disrupt aquatic ecosystems, threatening marine life and biodiversity.

Task

The UK government seeks a technological solution to mitigate ocean plastic pollution as part of a short-term strategy, rather than a change in legislation, to address this urgent environmental challenge. Your team, as part of an engineering firm, is tasked with developing a solution to tackle the issue of ocean debris. Your proposal can focus on any aspect of ocean plastic pollution: removing surface plastics, addressing microplastics, or managing plastic waste on the ocean floor. The solution must be practical, scalable, and minimise environmental impacts, while considering long-term sustainability and cost-effectiveness.

Considerations

1. Technology
Your solution must leverage innovative technologies to address plastic pollution in oceans. Whether you are focusing on removing large debris, collecting microplastics, or addressing submerged plastics, the technology must be capable of effectively capturing plastic waste without causing further harm to the marine environment.

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2. Infrastructure
The implementation of your proposed solution will need to fit within existing marine and coastal infrastructure. Consider how your system will be deployed and operated, the logistical challenges of maintaining it in marine environments, and how it will integrate with current waste management systems.

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3. Market Factors
Your solution must be economically viable and scalable. Consider how the collected plastic can be repurposed or sold for recycling. The solution should also attract interest from potential stakeholders, such as governments, environmental organisations, or private companies.

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4. Safety, Security, and Risks
Ocean clean-up systems face numerous operational risks, including harsh weather conditions, environmental disruption, and potential equipment malfunctions. Assess these risks and ensure your solution prioritises safety for both marine ecosystems and the operational teams involved.

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5. Project Management Approach
Developing and deploying an ocean clean-up solution requires careful planning and coordination. Outline the phases of your project, including research, design, testing, deployment, and long-term operation. Set clear milestones and allocate resources efficiently.

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6. Costing and Feasibility
Your solution must be financially feasible while offering a competitive edge compared to other clean-up methods. Provide a detailed cost analysis for the development, deployment, and operation of your system. Additionally, consider any potential revenue streams from recycling the collected plastic.

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7. Sustainability, Ethics, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Sustainability is a key factor in designing your solution. Consider how it will minimise environmental impacts, use sustainable materials, and contribute to long-term ocean health. Additionally, assess the ethical considerations of implementing such a system, ensuring that it benefits diverse communities and stakeholders.

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Further Information