Innovative Technology for Automatic Solid Waste Mitigation at Estuaries to Prevent Marine Debris Entry into the Oceans

Urban growth and industrial activities have led to a surge in environmental challenges due to improper waste disposal. In 2020, the influx of waste into oceans totaled 521,540 tons, predominantly comprising solid waste. This accumulation in estuaries and rivers has consequently contaminated marine ecosystems, imperiling biodiversity, and disrupting sectors like fishing and tourism. This study centers on a laboratory-scaled prototype of waste mitigation technology for estuarine implementation. The prototype aims to avert solid waste from entering oceans by utilizing a gate as a barrier and an automated filter for waste transportation and containment. The design factors waste type and daily weight, enabling calculations of gate and filter resistance and containment capacity. An automated system deploys limit switch sensors and infrared technology, managed by a microcontroller. Solar panels serve as an energy source, addressing power needs. Experimental outcomes reveal the filter's capacity to lift 5 kg of waste per cycle in 3 min. With a daily waste projection of 0.7 tons, potential waste reduction is up to 75%. Mitigating waste input anticipates minimizing negative impacts on biodiversity, coastal economies, and sustaining marine ecosystems for posterity.