Microplastic Collection Devices

Mitsui O.S.K Lines (MOL) Ltd. announced a new microplastic (MP) collection device developed in collaboration with Miura Co. Ltd. This device is capable of collecting wasted microplastics in the ocean when towed behind a vessel. The MP collection device works by straining microplastics out of concentrated seawater. It achieves this by continually drawing in seawater, which flows through a strainer and a pump that separates the plastics from the water before releasing the water back into the ocean. This process continually operates while the vessel is in motion.

Currently, MOL is researching the number of microplastics collected by this towing device in terms of treatment capacity, amounts, regions, component lifespan, and more. This data helps the company ascertain the scalability and viability of the MP collection device as a larger-scale tool in capturing oceanic pollution.

Image Credit: Mitsui O.S.K Lines Ltd.