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Tag: Waste cleaning

Aquatic Drones Tackle Local Waterway Pollution

By Furhana Husani, Director of Programs and Climate Initiatives – Waterfront Alliance

May 28, 2025

The New York and New Jersey waterways face significant environmental challenges, particularly from plastic pollution, harmful algal blooms, and the accumulation of biomass and other floating debris. These issues threaten marine ecosystems, biodiversity, human health, and economies reliant on clean water.

  • Plastic Pollution: A stark example of the problem is the estimate that 165 million pieces of plastic are floating in New York Harbor and nearby waters at any given time. This is part of a global issue where over 171 trillion pieces of plastic are in our oceans, projected to triple by 2040. This plastic debris, including tiny nurdles, breaks down into microplastics and nanoplastics, releasing chemicals that harm marine life and are considered among the world’s top environmental challenges.
  • Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) and Biomass: HABs, caused by cyanobacteria that flourish due to excess nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus from runoff, are increasingly prevalent. Last summer, over 500 confirmed harmful algal bloom conditions have been reported statewide in New York, affecting dozens of water bodies. HABs can cause health problems for humans and animals, from skin rashes to severe illnesses, leading to beach and swimming area closures for extended periods. Climate change is expected to exacerbate the frequency and intensity of these blooms.
  • Oil and Hydrocarbons: Incidental oil spills in areas like ports and marinas, often from land-based runoff or leisure craft, pose a risk to environmental health and can restrict activities like swimming, boating, and fishing.

These challenges underscore the urgent need for effective, environmentally sound methods for pollution removal and waterway restoration in densely populated coastal areas like New York and New Jersey.

RanMarine Technology, a cleantech company specializing in the design, manufacture, and sale of autonomous surface vessels (ASVs), also known as aquatic drones, is focusing its efforts on tackling these critical water pollution problems in New York and New Jersey waterways. Founded in Rotterdam, the Netherlands in 2016, RanMarine’s mission is to empower people, companies, and governments worldwide to restore marine and freshwater environments to their natural state using advanced, zero-emission technologies and data-driven approaches. ASVs are designed to clean the surfaces of waterways, including ports, harbors, marinas, rivers, estuaries, canal systems, lakes, and ponds.

RanMarine’s technology directly addresses these problems. The primary focus of their ASVs is the removal of harmful plastic pollutants, algae/biomass, and oils from water, as well as the treatment of HABs. Core products include:

  • WasteShark: An agile, efficient, and emission-free ASV that operates autonomously or via remote control to collect floating plastic debris and biomass.
  • MegaShark: A mid-sized vessel (tender boat duality) designed for high-volume waste collection of aquatic waste and biomass. Operated on-deck or via remote control.
  • BlueShark: Integrates WasteShark or MegaShark ASVs with a patented, chemical-free system that disrupts and eradicates cyanobacteria (the cause of HABs) in situ, reducing toxicity and nutrients without harming the ecosystem.
  • OilShark (in development): Designed as a first responder for incidental petrochemical and/or hydrocarbon spills in specific areas like ports and marinas.

RanMarine vessels are fully electric and operate with zero emissions, minimizing environmental disturbance and noise compared to traditional fossil-fuel methods.

Beyond collecting waste, RanMarine’s ASVs offer additional capabilities, often through partnerships with third parties. While operating, they can collect critical water quality data using various sensors, such as chlorophyll, pH levels, water temperature, salinity, turbidity, and dissolved oxygen. This data can be accessed in near real-time through the RanMarine Connect portal, aiding informed decision-making about water quality. The vessels can also be utilized for tasks like bathymetry in shallow nearshore areas, acoustic telemetry for tracking tagged fish, and visual mapping of the waterfront.

The application of RanMarine ASVs in the New York environment is evidenced through the successful deployment of a WasteShark at the Hudson River Park Trust (HRPT).

Vice President of Estuary & Education at the Hudson River Park Trust (HRPT), Carrie Roble said “Thanks to a grant from the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, we were able to purchase our WasteShark, affectionally named “Gulp” by our community, approximately two years ago. Gulp now has her own little “shark-shed” at the Gansevoort Peninsula where our team periodically deploys her to help clean plastic hot spots along the bulkhead and park piers.  Aside from collecting floating debris, she’s eye catching and an exciting educational tool, prompting conversations between Park users and our River Project team about our important work as park stewards.”

RanMarine’s strategy for deploying its technology, particularly in areas with significant need but limited direct funding like the vast New York and New Jersey shoreline, is heavily focused on innovative partnerships. This is achieved via multi-sector collaborations involving International Governmental Organizations (IGOs), Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), various tiers of government, technical partners, operational partners, and ultimately funders including but not limited to as grant makers, corporate sponsors, and environmentally conscious high-net-worth individuals.

A prime example of this approach is the recently launched “Adopt a Shark” initiative in New York City. This initiative will facilitate the deployment of RanMarine ASVs across multiple harbor sites to remove floating plastic debris and biomass and treat HABs in situ. This program will work to engage local communities and involve organizations specializing in the green-blue economy and workforce training.

Through this partnership strategy, RanMarine seeks to make its innovative technology accessible to the areas and organizations that need it most, facilitating crucial clean-up and restoration efforts across the vast and complex waterways of New York and New Jersey and raising awareness about the significant pollution problems they face.

RanMarine is currently seeking to connect with environmental stewards, community leaders, and potential sponsors and funding partners in the New York and New Jersey area who recognize the need for these capabilities in their local waterways and are interested in exploring collaborative deployment opportunities.

For all enquiries regarding partnerships and/or deployment opportunities in the NY/NJ area, please contact Andrew Douglas, email: andrew.douglas@ranmarine.io or cell/WhatsApp: +27 73 790 5946
For further RanMarine related Products and/or Procurement options, availability, or possible Distributorship interests then please contact us on: sales@ranmarine.io / +31 616952175

An orange WasteShark in the Hudson River, New York City in the distance
WasteShark with New York skyline. Both pictures ©️Hudson River Park Trust

Original article appeared on the Waterfront Alliance website

Startups Magazine – Where are they now?

As published by Startups Magazine

RanMarine’s speciality lies in creating waterborne robots, also known as Autonomous Surface Vehicles, that focus on cleaning floating pollution out of waterways, both inland and coastal. Founder and CEO Richard Hardiman was inspired to start the company after observing people using nets to fish rubbish from water. A firm believer in using technology to replace mundane tasks, Hardiman set out to address the inefficiency he saw: “I wanted to solve that inefficiency rather than a pollution problem.”

 Read full article here

Global Plastics Treaty for Dummies: 2025 Edition

What is the “Global Plastics Treaty?” Feb 2025


The Challenge

2 men holding a banner - polluted by single use plastic - on a beach covered by plastic waste

Every year, 8 to 10 million metric tons of plastic end up in our oceans, harming marine life and ecosystems. It’s not just an environmental issue; it’s affecting our health and economies too. The problem is so big that no single country can solve it alone.

Key Players (as of early 2025)

1. High Ambition Coalition (HAC): 85 countries pushing for strong, binding commitments.

2. Business Coalition: 250+ businesses, including IKEA, Nestlé, and Unilever, supporting an ambitious treaty.

3. “Like-minded group”: Countries like Russia, Saudi Arabia, China, and Iran, focusing more on waste management than production cuts.

4. United States: Not part of the HAC, hesitant on production control measures.

5. France, Rwanda and Mexico: Leading a group of 95 “willing countries” supporting legally-binding provisions to phase out harmful plastic products and chemicals.

Hopeful Outcomes

1. Reducing virgin plastic production

2. Eliminating harmful chemicals in plastics

3. Promoting reuse systems and better product design

4. Improving waste management globally

5. Creating a truly circular economy for plastics

Timeline

– March 2022: UN resolution to create the treaty

– 2022-2024: Initial negotiation rounds

– May 2025 (tentative): Final negotiation round (INC-5.2)

– End of 2025: Target date for finalizing the treaty

– 2040: Ambitious goal to end plastic pollution

Remember, this treaty isn’t just about banning plastic straws. It’s aiming to revolutionize how we produce, use, and dispose of plastics. It’s like going on a global plastic diet – we’re not giving up plastics entirely, but we’re trying to make healthier choices for our planet.

As we head into the crucial 2025 negotiations, the world is watching to see if global leaders can put aside their differences and create a treaty that truly tackles the plastic crisis. Will we see a game-changing agreement, or will it be watered down by competing interests? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure – the outcome will shape our relationship with plastics for decades to come.

RanMarine WasteShark capturing 2 floating plastic bottles
WasteShark capturing plastic


RanMarine’s WasteShark and MegaShark are perfectly positioned to help deliver on the Global Plastics Treaty’s ambitious goals. These innovative aquatic drones directly tackle plastic pollution in waterways, a key focus of the treaty. The WasteShark, capable of collecting up to 500 kg of debris daily, has already proven its worth in urban waterways and marinas. Its bigger sibling, the MegaShark, launched in 2024, takes this concept further with a capacity to hold 880 liters of waste. Both can operate remotely and emission-free, aligning with the treaty’s emphasis on innovative, sustainable solutions. Moreover, their data collection capabilities support the research and monitoring aspects crucial to the treaty’s success. RanMarine’s technology stands out as a practical, scalable solution that could play a pivotal role in achieving the treaty’s objectives.

So, next time you’re sipping your drink through a paper straw, know that you’re part of a worldwide movement. The Global Plastics Treaty might just be the biggest cleanup effort in human history – and it’s happening right now!

Citations:

[1] https://plasticseurope.org/changingplasticsforgood/global-plastics-treaty/

[2] https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/news/global-ceos-call-for-a-legally-binding-global-plastics-treaty

[3] https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/blog/2023/11/global-plastics-treaty-%E2%80%9Cchange-humanity%E2%80%99s-relationship-planet

RanMarine’s Autonomous Surface Vessels: Transforming Water Management in the UAE

Feb 2025

Dubai Burj Khalifa fountain

RanMarine Technology, a pioneer in autonomous water cleaning solutions, is making waves in the United Arab Emirates with its innovative Autonomous Surface Vessels (ASVs). The company’s WasteShark and MegaShark drones are transforming water management practices in marinas, harbours, and waterways across the region.

Smart Solutions for Smart Cities

As Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and other UAE locations continue to embrace smart city initiatives, RanMarine’s ASVs offer an intelligent approach to water cleaning and data collection. These drones not only remove floating waste and algae but can also be equipped with sensors to monitor water quality, supporting the UAE’s commitment to sustainable urban development.

Enhancing Marina and Golf Estate Environments

The first WasteShark, a 1.6-meter long marine drone, made its mark in Dubai Marina back in 2018. Capable of catching up to 160L of waste per trip and operating for 6-8 hours on a single emission-free battery charge, it continues to efficiently clean hard-to-reach areas between boats and piers. These ASVs are ideal solutions for the UAE’s numerous marinas, including the expansive Dubai Harbour with its 1,100 berths, or the 227-berth Yas Marina, home to Abu Dhabi’s F1 Circuit.

The Emirates’ prized golf estates with water features can also benefit from RanMarine’s technology. The ASVs can maintain the aesthetic appeal of these water bodies while ensuring their ecological health and monitoring pH levels and run-off from fertilized fairways, aligning with the UAE’s focus on responsible luxury developments.

WasteShark cleaning local marina, yachts in background

WasteShark cruising the local marina

Advancing Aquatic Conservation

RanMarine’s partnership with RV Consultancy in the UAE, announced in November 2024, marked a significant step towards enhancing aquatic ecosystem health and supporting the nation’s sustainable tourism goals. This collaboration helps to address the UAE’s drive to deliver on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14), which focuses on the conservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas, and marine resources.

The MegaShark: A Game-Changer for Larger Waterways

RanMarine’s latest commercial vessel, the MegaShark, offers even greater capacity for waste collection. This robust industrial aluminium vessel, with its ability to hold up to 880 litres or 440 kg of waste per trip, represents a five-fold increase over the WasteShark model. This makes it particularly suitable for larger waterways and coastal areas in the UAE.

By deploying these advanced ASVs, marina operators, coastal resorts, golf estates, and municipal authorities in the UAE can significantly improve their water management practices. This not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of these areas but also contributes to the broader goals of marine conservation and sustainable tourism.



For more information, please reach out to
https://www.ranmarine.io or sales@ranmarine.io

and   https://www.rv-consultancy.com or robin@rv-consultancy.com in Abu Dhabi UAE.

Marina Maintenance: How Autonomous Surface Vessels are Making Waves

World Marina – Dec 2024 

In the competitive world of marina management, maintaining pristine waters is more than just an environmental responsibility—it’s a business imperative. Innovative Autonomous Surface Vessels (ASVs) are transforming how marinas approach water cleanliness and environmental stewardship. These cutting-edge technologies offer a compelling solution to the persistent challenge of marine debris and water pollution in marinas.

ASVs can autonomously navigate through marina waters, efficiently collecting floating trash, plastics, and organic matter. Capable of removing significant quantities of waste daily, these vessels substantially reduce the manual labor traditionally required for water maintenance.

One of the key advantages of ASVs is their versatility. Their compact size allows them to access areas between docked boats and in tight corners where traditional cleaning methods struggle to reach. This ensures comprehensive coverage of the marina, leaving no area untouched in the pursuit of cleanliness.

Beyond debris collection, leading ASVs can serve as valuable data-gathering tools. When equipped with sensors, they can monitor water quality parameters in real-time, providing marina managers with crucial information about their aquatic environment. This data can be instrumental in identifying pollution sources and implementing targeted solutions.

The electric-powered operation of many ASVs aligns perfectly with the growing emphasis on sustainability in the marine industry. Their zero-emission functionality not only maintains clean waters but also contributes to a marina’s green credentials, potentially attracting environmentally conscious boat owners and visitors.

Importantly, ASVs operate quietly and unobtrusively, ensuring they don’t disturb marina patrons or wildlife. Their autonomous capability allows for continuous operation, maintaining water cleanliness round the clock without increasing labor costs.

By incorporating ASVs into their maintenance toolkit, marinas can demonstrate their commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility. This cutting-edge technology not only enhances the cleanliness and aesthetics of marina waters but also positions the marina as a leader in sustainable maritime practices.

Key Benefits of ASV Deployment in Marinas:

  • Efficient Debris Removal: Collects substantial amounts of waste daily.
  • Versatile Cleaning: Removes floating trash, plastics, and organic matter.
  • Access to Hard-to-Reach Areas: Cleans between docked boats and in tight spaces.
  • Environmental Data Collection: Possibility to gather real-time water quality data.
  • Autonomous Operation: Reduces labor costs and allows continuous cleaning.
  • Eco-Friendly: Zero-emission operation supports sustainability goals.
  • Non-Disruptive: Quiet operation doesn’t disturb marina patrons or wildlife.
  • Cost-Effective: More efficient than traditional manual cleaning methods.
  • Enhanced Marina Appeal: Maintains clean, attractive waters for patrons.
  • Innovative Image: Demonstrates commitment to cutting-edge solutions.
  • Comprehensive Coverage: Ensures no area of the marina is left uncleaned.
  • Data-Driven Management: Provides insights for targeted pollution solutions.

RanMarine Launches the MegaShark to Address $20Billion Market Opportunity for Waterway Clean-Up

Press Release

For Immediate Release


[Rotterdam, Netherlands, August 8, 2024] – RanMarine Technology (“RanMarine” or the “Company), a pioneer in autonomous surface vessels (ASVs) designed to clean ports, harbors, lakes, rivers and other near-shore environments, today announced the commercial launch of the MegaShark, an innovative mid-sized, electric-powered vessel set to revolutionize aquatic clean-up efforts.

The latest addition to RanMarine’s fleet of ASVs, the rechargeable MegaShark vessel is specifically engineered to efficiently capture and remove floating waste, algae, and biomass from waterways. With significantly increased capacity over prior models, the MegaShark is designed as a sustainable and cost-effective solution for use in a wide range of environments including harbors, ports, marinas, rivers, canals, lakes, and other waterways.

The MegaShark offers versatile operation modes, including onboard, remote control from shore, and autonomous navigation with LiDAR-based collision avoidance, ensuring efficient performance for various tasks. Designed with a shallow draft and a unique catamaran hull, it features an efficient waste-basket capture system, allowing it to hold up to 880 liters/440kg of waste, a greater than five-fold increase over the WasteShark ASV. The vessel’s base battery configuration supports up to 8 hours of operation, extendable to 16 hours, and it utilizes RanMarine’s proven navigation and autonomous software.

“We continually strive to simplify our customers’ operations, reduce costs, and enhance waste collection efficiency,” stated Richard Hardiman, CEO and founder of RanMarine. “The MegaShark complies with new sustainable fuel legislation and can deploy advanced water-quality sensors, providing crucial data feedback that helps our clients understand and maximize their environmental impact. Its rapid deployment capabilities and efficient waste collection system help mitigate long-term environmental damage, promoting healthier aquatic ecosystems, while the vessel’s 100% recyclable aluminum hull enhances its sustainability.”

Operating in over 30 countries, RanMarine’s waterway cleaning solutions are trusted by a diverse array of clients including corporate, governmental, and environmental organizations. Key partners and clients include Walt Disney, Hudson River Park, PortsToronto, BIC Services, Port of Halifax and Dallas County. This widespread adoption underscores the reliability and effectiveness of RanMarine’s solutions, which address a $20 billion market opportunity around the world.

About RanMarine:

RanMarine empowers organizations worldwide to restore aquatic environments to their natural state through the design and development of data-driven autonomous surface vessels (ASVs) that specialize in cleaning ports, harbors, lakes, rivers and other near-shore environments. RanMarine’s proprietary ASVs, designed to efficiently remove floating waste pollution and algae/biomass from waterways, are currently operating in over 30 countries, with corporate and government clients including Walt Disney, Hudson River Park, PortsToronto, Babcock Marine Naval Bases UK, and Port of Houston. RanMarine’s WasteShark ASV can be operated either autonomously or manually via handheld remote control. RanMarine’s new MegaShark ASV, which boasts five to seven times the capacity of the WasteShark, is now available for sale and offers the option of either onboard operation, remote control or autonomous operation*. Additionally, the company anticipates beginning shipments of its OilShark ASV in early 2025, a vessel designed to enable rapid removal of oil spills from waterways. All RanMarine’s ASVs can be outfitted with over 15 different sensors for customized data collection needs, offer fast and simple deployment, and provide substantial cost savings compared to traditional alternatives. * MegaShark’s full Autonomous operation will be released  in late 2024

Learn more at:

Website: www.ranmarine.io
Facebook: @RanMarineTechnology
Instagram: @ranmarinetechnology
X/Twitter: @RanMarineTech
LinkedIn: @ranmarine

Contact:

Dave Gentry

RedChip Companies, Inc.

1-800-REDCHIP (733-2447)

1-407-644-4256

ranmarine@redchip.com

RanMarine’s Subscription Model Takes to Yorkshire waters

4/7/24 Leeds, UK – RanMarine is pleased to announce the deployment of our innovative WasteShark in the Leeds Waterfront. In collaboration with Canal Connections, this initiative marks a significant milestone for both RanMarine and the UK’s environmental efforts, leveraging our cutting-edge technology to provide continuous and efficient water cleaning services through a subscription model.

WasteShark Launch in Leeds – 🎦@nationalworldlocaltv – Daily Motion

A Yorkshire First:

– Technological Innovation: The WasteShark features advanced GPS, LIDAR collision avoidance technology, and a camera, making it a state-of-the-art tool for waterway maintenance.

– Data Collection: This initiative will be the first in Yorkshire to systematically record the types and quantities of waste collected.

– Canal Rivers Trust Approval: This project is the first use of such technology approved by the Canal Rivers Trust on Yorkshire waterways.

– Social Impact: Partnering with Canal Connections, this project involves local communities in sustainability efforts.

Support and Collaboration:

The Leeds Waterfront Group, part of the West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce’s Property and Economic Forum, spearheaded this project with support from local businesses, Leeds City Council, and Leeds Civic Trust. Paul Ellison, Chair of the Leeds Waterfront Group, stated, “We are very pleased to have put this innovative project together. It will generate real benefits for the city and highlight the importance of keeping our waterways clean and attractive.”

Project Supporters and Sponsors:

This initiative is co-funded by several organizations, including Addleshaw Goddard, Biffa Waste Services, Bupa Foundation, CPW, Leeds Creative District, Iseepr, Leeds City Council, Leeds Civic Trust, Mott Macdonald, Vastint UK, VTR North, and Yorkshire Design Group. Canal Connections will manage the WasteShark’s operations, while Biffa Waste Services will handle waste recycling and disposal. KISS Branding has contributed expert design support.

About RanMarine WasteShark:

Inspired by the whale shark, the WasteShark collects up to 500kg of waste per day from the water’s surface. Powered by electric motors, it operates remotely or autonomously, making it an eco-friendly solution for water pollution. RanMarine, headquartered in Rotterdam, specialises in innovative aquatic drones designed to clean and maintain water bodies. This collaboration signifies both a technological solution and a commitment to preserving our waterways for future generations.

US Embassy invests more than US$172 thousand to clean up Lake Ilopango

Written by Alejandra García Ortiz  
Original story translated

The United States Embassy in El Salvador, through its Military Group, invested US$172,722 to clean Lake Ilopango, demonstrating its commitment to protecting this important body of water, which can generate greater attraction for residents and international tourists.

In this sense, the money was used to acquire three “WasteShark” aquatic cleaning drones, which are designed to completely clean the area and guarantee the health of the inhabitants and visitors to the lake.

Likewise, these devices will be used to keep the waters of Lake Ilopango free of garbage and contribute to its preservation. Additionally, this collaboration with the United States Embassy can attract international attention and highlight El Salvador’s efforts to preserve its natural resources.

Likewise, the Minister Counselor, Katherine Dueholm said “A clean lake is not simply a beautiful landscape, but it is also a lifeline for the communities that live nearby. A clean lake ensures the health and well-being of people by being a sustainable source of water for various domestic uses, thus protecting public health.

Investment in cleaning Lake Ilopango can enhance its tourist attraction by improving water quality, ensuring public health, promoting community development and projecting a positive image of El Salvador as a sustainable and responsible tourist destination.



United States Embassy donates aquatic drones to clean Lake Ilopango

The United States Embassy in El Salvador yesterday donated three aquatic cleaning drones, known as “Wasteshark“, to the mayor’s office of San Salvador Este, to keep Lake Ilopango free of solid waste and protect the ecosystem there.

by Mariela Quintanilla

 June 13, 2024

Reading time: 3 mins read   translated from original article as published on https://diarioelsalvador.com/

The donation was delivered by Katherine Dueholm, Minister Counselor of the United States of America Embassy, ​​which entails an investment of $172,722, and was received by Mayor José Chicas.

Dignitories incl Minister Counselor of the United States Embassy, ​​Katherine Dueholm, and the mayor of San Salvador Este, José Chicas, were present at the event

Dueholm expressed that this contribution reaffirms the commitment of the United States Government to supporting the country in environmental sustainability and public health.

“We have all seen how garbage accumulates in Lake Ilopango, how plastic bottles and bags float on the surface, and how these remains damage the environment, that is why this donation is so important because the “Wastesharks” that we are donating can navigate the surface of the lake efficiently collecting garbage so that it does not stay there contaminating the water and endangering the health of Salvadorans,” said Dueholm.

The aquatic drones can move manually up to 500 meters in Lake Ilopango, and autonomously up to 5 kilometers, explained Hernán Ramírez, technician in charge of the drones.

For his part, Mayor José María Chicas explained that the interventions with said equipment in the body of water will begin in the Ilopango sector, and will later move to Joya Grande and Santiago Texacuangos. “These are the areas that are need the most focuse,” he added.

“This is a tool that we had been requesting from the United States embassy for several years, and fortunately, based on the United States Southern Command program, the donation of the three drones became effective,” Chicas explained.

The diplomatic headquarters explained that the drone model delivered yesterday is designed for efficient operations that are based on pre-established mission routes and that ensures complete cleaning of the area.

In addition, the mechanism allows that once the drone collects all the garbage, it can be recycled into the corresponding man-made waste and waste deposits.

According to the mayor of  San Salvador Este, currently cleaning sessions are carried out in Lake Ilopango every 15 days, and with the donation they received they will be able to improve the cleaning work, because this equipment allows the cleaning to be saved and carried out again. Mission routes will be established to maintain a constant cleaning day.

“[The drones] are going to be of immense benefit to the beautiful nature of El Salvador. As we face the reality of climate change and increasingly reaffirm the vital role that water plays for people’s well-being, the care of bodies of water becomes a priority,” he said during the drone delivery ceremony with the official of the United States embassy.

Fungus breaks down ocean plastic

A fungus living in the sea can break down the plastic polyethylene, provided it has first been exposed to UV radiation from sunlight. Researchers from, among others, NIOZ published their results in the scientific journal Science of the Total Environment. They expect that many more plastic degrading fungi are living in deeper parts of the ocean.

The fungus Parengyodontium album lives together with other marine microbes in thin layers on plastic litter in the ocean. Marine microbiologists from the Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ) discovered that the fungus is capable of breaking down particles of the plastic polyethylene (PE), the most abundant of all plastics that have ended up in the ocean. The NIOZ researchers cooperated with colleagues from Utrecht University, the Ocean Cleanup Foundation and research institutes in Paris, Copenhagen and St Gallen, Switzerland. The finding allows the fungus to join a very short list of plastic-degrading marine fungi: only four species have been found to date. A larger number of bacteria was already known to be able to degrade plastic.

Follow the degradation process accurately

The researchers went to find the plastic degrading microbes in the hotspots of plastic pollution in the North Pacific Ocean. From the plastic litter collected, they isolated the marine fungus by growing it in the laboratory, on special plastics that contain labelled carbon. Lead author Annika Vaksmaa of NIOZ: “These so-called 13C isotopes remain traceable in the food chain. It is like a tag that enables us to follow where the carbon goes. We can then trace it in the degradation products.”

Vaksmaa is thrilled about the new finding: “What makes this research scientifically outstanding, is that we can quantify the degradation process.” In the laboratory, Vaksmaa and her team observed that the breakdown of PE by P. album occurs at a rate of about 0.05 per cent per day. “Our measurements also showed that the fungus doesn’t use much of the carbon coming from the PE when breaking it down. Most of the PE that P. album uses is converted into carbon dioxide, which the fungus excretes again.” AltThough CO2 is a greenhouse gas, this process is not something that might pose a new problem: the amount released by fungi is the same as the low amount humans release while breathing.

Only under the influence of UV

The presence of sunlight is essential for the fungus to use PE as an energy source, the researchers found. Vaksmaa: “In the lab, P. album only breaks down PE that has been exposed to UV-light at least for a short period of time. That means that in the ocean, the fungus can only degrade plastic that has been floating near the surface initially,” explains Vaksmaa. “It was already known that UV-light breaks down plastic by itself mechanically, but our results show that it also facilitates the biological plastic breakdown by marine fungi.”

Other fungi out there

As a large amount of different plastics sink into deeper layers before it is exposed to sunlight, P.album will not be able to break them all down. Vaksmaa expects that there are other, yet unknown, fungi out there that are degrading plastic as well, in deeper parts of the ocean. “Marine fungi can break down complex materials made of carbon. There are numerous amounts of marine fungi, so it is likely that in addition to the four species identified so far, other species also contribute to plastic degradation. There are still many questions about the dynamics of how plastic degradation takes place in deeper layers,” says Vaksmaa.

Plastic soup

Finding plastic-degrading organisms is urgent. Every year, humans produce more than 400 billion kilograms of plastic, and this is expected to have at least triple by the year 2060. Much of the plastic waste ends up in the sea: from the poles to the tropics, it floats around in surface waters, reaches greater depths at sea and eventually falls down on the seafloor.

Vaksmaa: “Large amounts of plastics end up in subtropical gyres, ring-shaped currents in oceans in which seawater is almost stationary. That means once the plastic has been carried there, it gets trapped there. Some 80 million kilograms of floating plastic have already accumulated in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre in the Pacific Ocean alone, which is only one of the six large gyres worldwide.”

RanMarine is dedicated to capturing floating waste and plastics from the water before they break down into microplastics.
The original article and the link to the full NIOZ scientific report can be found here