Plastic Input from Rivers

Majority of plastic debris that end up in the ocean are from river emissions. It is estimated that 1.15 - 2.41 million tons of plastic enter the oceans from rivers annualy. Top 20 rivers, that are responsible for 67% of plastic pollution from rivers, are located in Asia.  

Out of 122 rivers, which contributed more than 90% of the plastic input: 103 rivers located in Asia, 8 in Africa, 8 in South and Central America, and 1 in Europe. This data is based on plastic debris with size of 0.5mm or more. 


Total average annual emission of plastic from rivers by continents (mil. tons):
   

Solution

Pacific cleanup array network

Currents Solution Collection Preview

Every year part of 300 million tons of yearly produced plastic enter the ocean and accumulates at offshore areas called Garbage Patches. The accumulation accurs due to ocean currents, however other factors such as storms or animals affect the movement of plastic as well. Array project is using currents to collect plastic that comes to it instead of chasing it.

Since the plastic is moving because of the rotating currents the idea is to collect the plastic by placing an array of floating barriers stabilized by a floating anchor that collects and "suck up" the plastic into a collecting container. The barriers are intended to be safer than the nets thus not harming the marine wildlife.

The array consists of a central unit, where the collected plastic is stored and where it collects. On both sides of the unit are inflatable barriers that catch and concentrate the plastic. The length of each barrier is over 50 kilometers. 90% of plastic is floating closer to the surface of the ocean. The mooring system is infront of the unit, balancing the unit.

The project is about to launch in 2019, The Ocean Cleanup company provides the following rendering of the array:

Financial Feasibility

Comprassion of cleanup costs with other methods of cleanup (USD/kg): 

Capital investment per array, break down: