Hydroponic System for Effective Microplastic Filtration in the Sea: A Revolutionary Low-Cost Method

The Low-Cost Microplastic Filtration System is a device designed to aid in the resolution of the growing problem with microplastics. With an estimated 48 million shopping bags and 164 million sachets used daily (Philippine research uncovers microplastics inside a regularly eaten fish, 2020), the Philippines is one of the most prolific users of single-use plastics. This plastic garbage winds up in the oceans due to the country’s still-developing waste management infrastructure, making it the third-largest source of marine plastic pollution. To demonstrate the existence of microplastics in the sea in Brgy. Papaya Nasugbu, Batangas, the researchers collected water samples from the targeted area and isolated the particles from the water. Using a hot needle method, the collected particles were tested for microplastics. If a suspected particle bends or rips while in contact with the heated needle, it is classified as a microplastic. The water sample was subsequently purified using the project’s filtration equipment. The water sample was found to be clean, with no visible particulates. The system uses filtered seawater to irrigate the plants that are incorporated into the system. Coriander, the plant employed in the study, also showed signs of development after being introduced into the system.