Micro-Vac
Microplastic Ocean Containment Unit

The prevalence of microfibers and microplastics in the ocean has reached an unprecedented level, necessitating urgent action to address this growing environmental crisis. The MicroVac is a conceptual solution designed to target neutrally buoyant microplastics that float approximately three meters below the ocean’s surface. Constructed using injection- and blow-moulded ABS plastic and aluminum, this self-sustaining device gently extracts polluted water from the ocean and channels it into a collection tray for later cleaning.

Powered by solar cells and equipped with a GPS tracker and LED strobe lights for round-the-clock visibility, multiple units can be strategically deployed in areas with high levels of plastic pollution for maximum impact. A large rotating screw mechanism draws in microplastics and smaller debris through an external filter cage, which is specifically designed to prevent harm to larger marine life. The collected microplastics are then transferred above sea level into a fine mesh tray, which can be periodically emptied and maintained.

While the MicroVac remains a theoretical project at this stage, I firmly believe that large-scale deployment of such devices could contribute significantly to reducing the volume of microplastics in our oceans.