NOVEL TECHNIQUES FOR PLASTIC CONTAMINATION DETECTION AND REMOVAL FROM ENVIRONMENTAL SURFACES

Abstract

This invention presents a comprehensive system for plastic contamination detection and removal, featuring multi-sensor detection, eco-friendly degradation, and efficient mechanical removal technologies. Designed for scalability, the system provides a sustainable solution to manage plastic pollution, including microplastics, through autonomous operations and real-time monitoring. By integrating AI, IoT, and environmentally safe processes, this innovation addresses plastic pollution’s environmental impact and supports ecological restoration.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to environmental protection and waste management technology, specifically addressing the detection, degradation, and removal of plastic contamination from water bodies, soil, and urban environments. The system combines advanced detection sensors, chemical degradation, and mechanical removal technologies, offering a sustainable approach to tackling plastic pollution in various ecological settings.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Plastic contamination has become a pervasive environmental issue, affecting ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. Plastics in oceans, rivers, and urban areas do not decompose easily; they break down into microplastics and nanoplastics, which remain in the environment for centuries. These smaller particles are particularly concerning as they infiltrate food chains, accumulate in organisms, and pose potential health risks to humans. Traditional methods for managing plastic contamination focus primarily on larger debris, neglecting the microplastic and nanoplastic particles that are difficult to detect and remove. Existing solutions also lack scalability and are often labor-intensive, energy-consuming, or environmentally harmful, sometimes introducing secondary pollutants into the environment.
The need for innovative and sustainable approaches to plastic pollution has become more urgent as environmental awareness grows. Conventional mechanical methods for plastic removal, such as trawling, are limited to larger debris, while chemical degradation methods can produce harmful by-products. The invention presented here addresses these challenges by integrating a comprehensive system that combines detection, environmentally friendly degradation, and mechanical removal. This system not only targets large plastic debris but also focuses on detecting and removing microplastics and nanoplastics, filling a critical gap in environmental cleanup efforts.
This invention provides a novel solution to plastic contamination by employing a multi-layered approach that leverages spectroscopic sensors, AI-enhanced image recognition, biodegradable chemicals, and nanoparticle catalysts. The system's modular design enables it to scale from small urban areas to extensive bodies of water, ensuring adaptability for diverse applications. By addressing the limitations of current plastic removal methods and offering a sustainable alternative, this invention presents a holistic approach to combat plastic pollution across various environments.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simplified format, that are further described in the detailed description of the invention.
This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention and nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.
To further clarify advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.
The invention introduces a comprehensive system for detecting, degrading, and removing plastic contaminants from environmental surfaces. The system features a multi-sensor detection unit, eco-friendly chemical agents, and mechanical removal tools. By integrating advanced detection and degradation processes, the system effectively targets both large debris and smaller particles such as microplastics and nanoplastics. The invention promotes autonomous operation and scalability, allowing continuous plastic removal while minimizing human intervention and environmental impact.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The illustrated embodiments of the subject matter will be understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. The following description is intended only by way of example, and simply illustrates certain selected embodiments of devices, systems, and methods that are consistent with the subject matter as claimed herein, wherein:
FIGURE 1: ILLUSTRATES THE MULTI-SENSOR DETECTION UNIT, INCLUDING SPECTROSCOPIC SENSORS AND AI-POWERED CAMERAS FOR IDENTIFYING PLASTIC CONTAMINANTS.
The figures depict embodiments of the present subject matter for the purposes of illustration only. A person skilled in the art will easily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure is described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments are described herein in such details as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of details provided herein is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
It is also to be understood that various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the present disclosure, as well as specific examples, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms "a"," "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes" and/or "including," when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and/or groups thereof.
It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions/acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may, in fact, be executed concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.
In addition, the descriptions of "first", "second", "third", and the like in the present invention are used for the purpose of description only, and are not to be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Thus, features defining "first" and "second" may include at least one of the features, either explicitly or implicitly.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, e.g., those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
This invention provides an advanced system for detecting, degrading, and removing plastic contamination from various environmental surfaces, focusing on water bodies, soil, and urban areas. The system comprises several critical components: a multi-sensor detection unit, a chemical degradation unit, a mechanical removal system, and a real-time monitoring platform. Each component plays a vital role in ensuring comprehensive plastic management, from detection to removal and monitoring.
The multi-sensor detection unit integrates spectroscopic sensors, including near-infrared (NIR) and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, to identify plastic contaminants by their unique spectral signatures. High-resolution, AI-enhanced cameras, mounted on drones or ground-based autonomous robots, capture images that are analyzed by machine learning algorithms trained to distinguish plastic debris from natural or artificial objects. The unit also includes IoT connectivity, allowing real-time data transmission to a cloud-based platform for further analysis.
Following detection, the chemical degradation unit utilizes biodegradable and non-toxic chemical agents specifically selected to bind with plastic polymers and initiate controlled degradation. This process involves breaking down long polymer chains into smaller, environmentally safe molecules. Additionally, the system employs enzymes like PETase, which target PET-based plastics, enhancing the degradation process for certain plastic types. Nanoparticle catalysts are included to expedite degradation at ambient temperatures, reducing the need for energy-intensive heating and supporting an eco-friendly approach to plastic breakdown.
The mechanical removal system is designed to handle both large debris and microplastic particles. Suction units equipped with adjustable vacuum technology effectively remove plastic from water surfaces, soil, and urban environments, capturing particles of varying sizes. For smaller plastics, electrostatic collectors generate charges that attract and retain microplastic particles, ensuring high collection efficiency. Surface-specific tools are used depending on the environment-floating skimmers and nets for water bodies, and automated sweepers or suction devices for soil and urban areas.
The real-time monitoring and data analytics platform provides continuous oversight of contamination levels. IoT sensors are placed in target areas to monitor the concentration of plastic contaminants, transmitting this data to a central, cloud-based platform. Machine learning algorithms analyze contamination patterns, providing insights for optimized cleaning operations. The integration with Geographic Information System (GIS) technology visually maps contamination zones, guiding resource allocation for more effective cleanup efforts. This platform enables real-time data analysis, allowing operators to prioritize highly affected areas and track cleanup progress over time.
1. A system for detecting, degrading, and removing plastic contaminants from environmental surfaces, comprising a multi-sensor detection unit, a chemical degradation unit, a mechanical removal system, and a real-time monitoring platform.
2. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the multi-sensor detection unit includes spectroscopic sensors and AI-powered cameras to identify plastic contaminants based on spectral and visual properties.
3. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the chemical degradation unit utilizes biodegradable chemical agents and enzymes to break down plastic polymers without harmful by-products.
4. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein nanoparticle catalysts are employed to accelerate plastic degradation at ambient temperatures.
5. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the mechanical removal system includes suction units and electrostatic collectors to capture both large and microplastic particles.
6. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein surface-specific tools are employed based on the environmental setting, including skimmers, sweepers, and suction devices.
7. A method for monitoring plastic contamination as claimed in Claim 1, involving IoT sensors, real-time data transmission, and GIS mapping for targeted interventions.
8. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein machine learning algorithms analyze contamination data to optimize resource allocation and cleanup operations.
9. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the autonomous operation of drones and ground-based robots minimizes human intervention in plastic detection and removal.
10. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein it supports a modular and scalable design for deployment across various environmental settings, from urban areas to large water bodies.
, Claims:1. A system for detecting, degrading, and removing plastic contaminants from environmental surfaces, comprising a multi-sensor detection unit, a chemical degradation unit, a mechanical removal system, and a real-time monitoring platform.
2. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the multi-sensor detection unit includes spectroscopic sensors and AI-powered cameras to identify plastic contaminants based on spectral and visual properties.
3. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the chemical degradation unit utilizes biodegradable chemical agents and enzymes to break down plastic polymers without harmful by-products.
4. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein nanoparticle catalysts are employed to accelerate plastic degradation at ambient temperatures.
5. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the mechanical removal system includes suction units and electrostatic collectors to capture both large and microplastic particles.
6. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein surface-specific tools are employed based on the environmental setting, including skimmers, sweepers, and suction devices.
7. A method for monitoring plastic contamination as claimed in Claim 1, involving IoT sensors, real-time data transmission, and GIS mapping for targeted interventions.
8. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein machine learning algorithms analyze contamination data to optimize resource allocation and cleanup operations.
9. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the autonomous operation of drones and ground-based robots minimizes human intervention in plastic detection and removal.
10. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein it supports a modular and scalable design for deployment across various environmental settings, from urban areas to large water bodies.

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