Engineering: You're Hired (2021)

"Ocean Debris - Nanocellulose Filter"

~ An Engineering Solution for Preventing Microplastics entering the Oceans

'Engineering: You're Hired' was a week-long event second year engineers from all disciplines participated in.

Due to covid-19, this event took place online though team video calls and pre-recorded lectures. Despite this, my team was able to devise and present an innovative new technology.

Engineering: You're Hired'

Objective:

To produce a solution to microplastics in the ocean.

Role in team:

Research, Spokesperson, Logistics

This project involved:

Collaborating with a team of interdisciplinary engineering students.
Innovating a new product within a short time span.
Reporting progress regarding the project on the team's behalf.

Skills Developed:

Research

Teamwork

Communication

Time Management

Nanocellulose Water Filter

Microplastics pose a major threat to marine life.

Due to their microscopic size, they are able to bypass most filtration systems, entering natural bodies of water such as oceans where they are consumed by small sea creatures. As they are indigestible, these plastics remain in the food chain, which yields a variety of potential dangers for the environment as well as its inhabitants.

Tackling this issue requires both cleaning up the polluted waters and, crucially, preventing the flow of more microplastics.

Examining every source of microplastics in the oceans...

synthetic textiles

...have been identified as the greatest contributor.

(such as polyester, nylon, acrylic, PVC and rayon)

Therefore, a device for catching microplastics in household pipes, allowing them to be removed before they can cause environmental harm, could make a huge difference.

Nanocellulose:

Organic compound that can be processed into a porous, fibrous material.
Can be prepared from any cellulose-source material (including agricultural waste).
Non-toxic to important symbiont bacteria.
Draws in and holds microplastics when submerged in water.
Ideal material for an Inline Water Filter.

Solution: a nanocellulose-based water filter for installation in household pipes carrying water from washing machines. A filter lasts 25 washes, after which it can be treated and safely disposed of or broken down using enzymes. Retailing at £5 per filter, the nanocellulose device is accessible to all.