Robotic Fish Can Now Eat Plastic to Clean Water Wastes

The University of Surrey's "Robo-Fish" robot fish was developed after its makers won a robotics competition.

According to Interesting Engineering, the robot fish aims to be helpful and adaptable. It swims using gills to filter water. The robot fish is also the same size as a salmon.

The shape of the fish's gills was modified to make a filter for microplastics, researchers wrote in a statement.

How Robot Fish Works

In order to capture microplastics and water in an interior chamber, the robo-fish swims through the water by flapping its tail. It will seal its mouth and raise its gill flaps once the chamber is filled. The water is then forced out via the flaps by raising the cavity's bottom.

A small mesh that captures plastic waste but lets water through is placed over the gill flaps.

The robot can now pick up particles as tiny as 2mm. Additionally, it features a built-in sensor system that can measure turbidity and underwater light levels and an Inertial Measuring Unit (IMU) that can monitor its motion in the water. The robo-fish also has nighttime lighting.

"Water pollution, especially plastic pollution, is a huge problem. It's not just the ocean which suffers but rivers, streams, lakes and ponds. This makes it a problem without a one-size-fits-all solution," Eleanor Mackintosh, the contest winner, told New Atlas.

How to Save the Bodies of Water from Pollution

Although the seas have received the most attention for plastic pollution, the issue is far more pervasive than that.

Microplastics have an impact on all types of water and even the soil. Microplastics are plastic flecks with a diameter of 5 millimeters or less.

They have been building up in the water and soil for years and are produced as plastic debris breaks down into smaller and smaller fragments. Because humans, animals, and fish may consume them, this may threaten the ecosystems.

Fortunately, there are a few really simple strategies to lessen water pollution, as suggested by Earth Eclipse.

1. Keep grease, oils, and fat away from the sink. Avoid dumping fat, grease, or cooking oil down the sink. Keep a container to collect all fats, grease, and oil instead and dispose of it in solid trash.

2. Stop using the toilet as a trash can. Most individuals flush away waste paper, synthetics, wrappers, and dust garments. These materials' harmful components could eventually find their way into the seas, lakes, or rivers. Giving up this behavior can significantly reduce water pollution.

3. Use as little bleach or detergent as possible. Reduce the amount of chlorine and detergents used while washing dishes or clothing. Instead, you can stick to using phosphate-free soaps and detergents solely.

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