Updated July 17th, 2021 at 15:26 IST

'Artificial Coastline': An invention to remove Ocean Plastic before moving for the Pacific

On July 13, the Ocean Cleanup revealed its latest initiative, System 002, also known as "Jenny, which will take it to the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.

Reported by: Bhumika Itkan
IMAGE: INSTAGRAM/THE OCEAN CLEANUP | Image:self
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Among the most common contaminants on the planet is plastic. It can be found all over the world. According to studies, about 20 million metric tonnes of plastic end up in water bodies like lakes, rivers, and seas. In addition to harming aquatic life, plastic pollution also damages the environment. Compared to the rate of emission, plastic trash accumulates as a result of a slow rate of cleanup. Since 2013, an NGO has been working to close the gap in rates. The Ocean Cleanup, established by Boyan Slat, a Dutch innovator, is commencing its next mission to clean up ocean garbage. On July 27, the project will begin from Victoria's coast.

On July 13, the Ocean Cleanup revealed its latest initiative, which will take it to the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.
The patch is a vast waste heap that spans 1.6 million square kilometers that has accumulated through time between California and Hawaii. The project uses the NGO's newest plastic-collection equipment, System 002, also known as "Jenny."

 

Specifications of 'Jenny'

Jenny is an 800-meter-long tensioned "artificial coastline" that will draw debris along the patch. The waste will be collected in the "retention zone" at some point. Two large vessels will be used to transport this coastline. The speed of these vessels will be 0.75 meters per second. The ships will maneuver across the patch using computer-generated models to target areas with the highest concentrations of plastic, dubbed "Natural Hotspots" by the Ocean Cleanup.

Jenny, or System 002, was designed with autonomous navigation, long-term plastic retention, and durability in mind. Furthermore, the project will concentrate on elements such as plastic extraction, optimal speed, the influence of longevity, environmental impact, and general functionality throughout its trip.

Based on these findings, System 003 can be further developed and improved to provide the same level of reliability as Jenny was based on System 001. It is hoped that the Ocean Cleanup will provide the most long-term solution for cleaning our waterways if the experiments go according to the plan. The project's goal is to be able to clean up an area of approximately 1.3 hectares every 15 seconds. The Ocean Cleanup's long-term goal is to remove 90% of plastic from the oceans by 2040. Plastics in the ocean currently cost billions of dollars each year.

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Published July 17th, 2021 at 15:26 IST