Systems and methods for collecting microplastics

Abstract

The present invention provides a system and method for enhancing adhesion between microplastics and air bubbles. More specifically, the present invention relates to a system and method for enhancing adhesion between microplastics and air bubbles so that the maximum number of microplastics can be collected from aquatic environments. The pressure difference between the stern section (from the buttock stern to the bottom baseline) and the outflow and inflow of air bubbles maximizes collection efficiency. The collected phytoplankton are reintroduced to the ocean surface to enhance the conversion of carbon dioxide to oxygen as a means of mitigating global warming.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to the collection of microplastics from the aquatic environment. More specifically, the present invention relates to systems and methods for collecting microplastics in an aquatic environment using the adhesion properties of synthetic polymers or starch.

Background Art

[0002] According to statistics, humanity has produced plastic of approximately the same weight as the entire human population. Approximately 91% of the plastic produced is not recycled and has flowed into landfill sites, drainage systems, rivers, and the ocean. Plastic clogs drainage systems and pollutes water areas. If this situation continues, it is estimated that after a certain period, there will be more plastic (in weight) than fish in the ocean.

[0003] Over a long period, as a result of environmental factors such as exposure to sunlight and climate conditions, large plastics are fragmented into smaller microplastics. Microplastics also result from the development of commercial products such as cosmetics, textile products, etc. It takes decades or more for these microplastics to be completely decomposed.

[0004] All living organisms on Earth are exposed to a certain amount of microplastics. Microplastics have been detected even in zooplankton, the smallest marine organisms. These microplastics are directly or indirectly ingested by fish and other marine organisms and ultimately incorporated into our food chain. The impact of microplastics on human health is beyond imagination. Microplastics are generally defined as plastic pieces less than 5 mm.

[0005] Many organizations, such as the United Nations (UN) and other independent organizations, are working on the plastic problem in the ocean. However, many of such organizations focus on dedicated systems that can collect plastic from the ocean, sea, or river.

[0006] Given the limitations of current technology as described above, there is a strong need to develop an effective system and method for collecting microplastics in the shipping lanes of ships (1) by utilizing the adhesive properties of microplastic-containing bubbles and synthetic polymers.

[0007] Therefore, the drawbacks of conventional approaches, including devices / products and methods, described above are intended only to provide an overview of some of the problems with conventional approaches and are not intended to be exhaustive. Other problems in conventional approaches and methods, as well as the corresponding advantages of the various non-limiting embodiments described herein, will become further apparent by considering the following description. Object of the Invention

[0008] Some of the objectives of the present invention, which are achieved by at least one embodiment herein, are as follows:

[0009] One objective of the present invention is to provide a system for collecting microplastics from aquatic environments.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for collecting microplastics from aquatic environments.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide an environmentally friendly and non-toxic method for collecting microplastics from aquatic environments.

[0012] A further object of the present invention is to provide a system and method for collecting microplastics while a vessel (1) is in motion.

[0013] Other aspects, advantages, and notable features of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description. This detailed description elaborates on the invention in different embodiments. [Overview of the project]

[0014] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a system for collecting microplastics in aquatic environments. This system is A bow section (2) comprising a pair of extendable arms (3), the bow section (2) forming a closed region into which waves enter and collide with the inner walls of the extendable arms (3) above the bottom baseline and the bow, thereby naturally generating bubbles. At least one bubble generating unit (4) functionally connected to the bow section (2), A mesh net having multiple holes (7) and multiple pipes (6) connected to an adhesive storage unit (8), A collection unit (9) for collecting microplastics that flow with the waves through holes in the bottom of the ship in the stern section (10), It is equipped with.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present invention, the bubble generation unit (4) is selected from a blower, an air compressor, or a similar device.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present invention, the adhesive storage unit (8) is equipped with a pump (11) that controls the flow rate of adhesive material via a sensor connected to a microprocessor.

[0017] In one embodiment of the present invention, the bubble generation unit (4) comprises a pump (11), a nozzle, and a flow control valve.

[0018] In one embodiment of the present invention, the bubble generation unit (4) supplies bubbles into a closed space between a pair of extension arms (3) above the bottom line of the bow section (2).

[0019] In other embodiments of the present invention, the adhesive material is selected from synthetic adhesives or natural adhesives. Here, the synthetic adhesive is a synthetic polymer selected from polyvinyl alcohol, and the natural adhesive is selected from adhesive proteins, organic starch, beeswax, wheat flour paste, sap, casein adhesives, or any combination thereof.

[0020] In other embodiments of the present invention, an amount sufficient to attach the microplastics of the adhesive material is discharged into the water together with the bubbles from the nozzle of the bubble generation unit (4) and through the holes (7) of the pipe (6).

[0021] In still other embodiments of the present invention, the adhesive material is a solution of a synthetic polymer.

[0022] In other embodiments of the present invention, the synthetic polymer is in a weight range of 1 to 50% by weight of the solution.

[0023] In other embodiments, the present invention further comprises a wider batten stern hull connected to the collection unit (9). The collection unit (9) is connected to a purification unit, where the microplastics are separated from the bubbles, the adhesive material, and the phytoplankton.

[0024] In still other embodiments of the present invention, the collection unit (9) may comprise a roller or a brush for increasing the friction of the bubbles with the microplastics and efficiently flowing them into the collection unit (9).

[0025] In one embodiment, the present invention further comprises a storage tank (14) for storing phytoplankton connected to a nutrient tank (15).

[0026] In other embodiments of the present invention, the phytoplankton is reintroduced into the water to activate the ocean surface zone and increase photosynthesis.

[0027] Another embodiment of the present invention is a method for collecting microplastics in an aquatic environment, the method comprising: allowing waves to enter a closed area and colliding with the inner walls of the extending arm (3) and the bow to naturally generate bubbles; mixing an adhesive material with the naturally generated bubbles or bubbles generated by pressurized air at the outlet of the bubble generating unit (4); adhering microplastics to the bubbles using a mesh net (5) provided with a plurality of pipes (6) having a plurality of holes (7), the meshes colliding with each other to enhance cohesion; collecting, through holes in the bottom of the ship, the microplastics flowing with the waves above the bottom baseline of the stern section (10) into the collecting unit (9); separating the microplastics from the bubbles, the adhesive material, and the phytoplankton in a purification unit; and including.

[0028] In yet another embodiment, the present invention further comprises a sensor connected to a microprocessor in the collection unit (9), and the microprocessor controls the flow rate of the adhesive material via a pump (11) based on the data received.

[0029] In another embodiment of the present invention, an amount of the adhesive material sufficient to adhere the microplastics is discharged into the water together with the bubbles through the holes (7) of the pipes (6).

[0030] In still another embodiment of the present invention, the phytoplankton is transferred to a storage tank (14), and the phytoplankton storage tank (14) releases the phytoplankton to the ocean surface together with new phytoplankton. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration diagram of a ship (1) for collecting microplastics.

[0032] [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows a schematic top view of the bow section of ship (1).

[0033] [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows a side exploded view of the bow section of a vessel (1) equipped with a mesh net as used in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows a side exploded view of the stern section of a vessel (1) equipped with a mesh net as used in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a mesh net (5) according to one embodiment of the present invention. The intersecting structure may include those that do not necessarily intersect at right angles. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0036] Exemplary embodiments for carrying out this disclosure are presented using exemplary embodiments. However, the exemplary embodiments described herein are detailed for illustrative purposes and are subject to many modifications. Various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as they are anticipated or deemed useful in the context, but it is understood that they are intended to encompass their application or practice without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure.

[0037] The use of the terms “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and their variations herein means to include the items listed below and their equivalents, as well as any additional items.

[0038] Furthermore, the terms "an" and "a" in this specification do not indicate a quantitative limitation, but rather indicate the existence of at least one of the items referred to.

[0039] Furthermore, the term “may” as used herein is used in a permissive sense (i.e., “to have the possibility of”) rather than a compulsory sense (i.e., “to have to”).

[0040] Furthermore, the term "vessel" as used herein refers to a watercraft used for navigation on water. This may include, but is not limited to, a ship or a boat.

[0041] Furthermore, the term "aquatic environment" as used herein refers to bodies of water such as rivers, seas, oceans, ponds, and lakes.

[0042] The present invention provides a system for collecting microplastics, which uses synthetic polymers to enhance adhesion between bubbles and microplastics so that the maximum amount of microplastics can be collected from aquatic environments. Furthermore, the present invention provides a method for collecting microplastics, which uses synthetic polymers to enhance adhesion between bubbles and microplastics so that the maximum amount of microplastics can be collected from aquatic environments.

[0043] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of the configuration of a vessel (1) for collecting microplastics from aquatic environments, which may be used in one embodiment of the present invention. The vessel (1) may be selected from a cargo ship, passenger ship, defense ship, research vessel, or fishing vessel, etc. The vessel (1) may have a bow section (2) and a stern section (10). The bow section (2) may have a pair of extension arms (3) together with the bow above the bottom baseline of the hull. The bow may be located in the center of the bow section (2) of the vessel (1). The bow can be selected from options such as a plumb bow, raked bow, flared bow, clipper bow, inverted bow, ram bow, high chin spoon bow, low chin spoon bow, single indented bulbous bow, and slide-shaped vertical bow.

[0044] The extension arm (3) may be connected to the forward part of the vessel (1). The extension arm (3) and the bow can create a closed region (4a), as shown in Figure 2. Within this closed region, waves can enter through the gap between the distal ends of the extension arm (3) and collide with the inner walls of the extension arm (3) and the bow, spontaneously generating bubbles. Since microplastics are hydrophobic, they can adhere to the bubbles.

[0045] As shown in Figure 3, the bubble generating unit (4) may also be mounted on the vessel (1) and functionally connected to the bow of the vessel (1). The bubble generating unit (4) may include a blower, an air compressor, or any other dedicated system that can be used to create bubbles. The bubble generating unit (4) may be configured to supply additional bubbles to the enclosed space between a pair of extension arms (3) above the waterline.

[0046] The bubble generation unit (4) may also include a pump (11), a nozzle, and a flow control valve. The nozzle is connected to an adhesive storage unit (8) and releases adhesive material into seawater along with bubbles. The flow control valve is connected to sensors that measure the amount of microplastics collected in a collection unit (9) and the speed of the vessel. A microprocessor sends instructions to the pump (11) and actuators based on the sensor data to control the flow rate of adhesive material from the nozzle. When the vessel (1) is traveling at high speed, the sensors will provide data to the microprocessor. Subsequently, the microprocessor will command the pump (11) to increase the flow velocity of the adhesive material, and will close the valve when traveling at low speed. Thus, the amount of synthetic polymer required and released can be determined by the presence of microplastics and the speed of the vessel.

[0047] The amount of adhesive material released into seawater is affected by the speed of the vessel (1), such as a ship. The injection nozzle for releasing the adhesive material is positioned approximately 10-30 cm forward of the bottom of the ship. For example, if the ship is traveling at 12.5 knots, its speed is approximately 6 meters per second. Bubbles also mix with the adhesive component on the water surface.

[0048] A mesh net (5) may be provided at the outlet of the bubble generation unit (4). The mesh net may be as shown in Figure 5. The adhesive storage unit (8) may store a liquid synthetic polymer or natural adhesive. These adhesive materials are non-toxic, biodegradable, renewable, and repulpable. Synthetic polymers are non-toxic and can be readily ingested by aquatic organisms without causing harm. The synthetic polymer may be selected from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and the natural adhesive may be selected from adhesive proteins, organic starches, beeswax, wheat flour paste, tree sap, casein adhesives, or any combination thereof.

[0049] As shown in the figure, the mesh net according to one embodiment of the present invention is made of a pipe with holes, and as shown as 5a, air can enter inside. Meanwhile, the synthetic polymer 5b is mixed with air, thereby releasing bubbles containing the synthetic polymer into the aquatic environment.

[0050] In one embodiment of the present invention, the adhesive material is a polyvinyl alcohol solution. The polyvinyl alcohol is present in the solution in an amount of 1 to 50% by weight, preferably 1 to 25% by weight, and more preferably 1 to 10% by weight. The polyvinyl alcohol is biodegradable, water-soluble, and has a melting point of 180 to 190°C. In the present invention, polyvinyl alcohol with a degree of saponification of less than 90%, preferably 86.5 to 89%, is used.

[0051] The mesh net (5) may consist of a plurality of intersecting pipes (6). The plurality of pipes (6) may be connected to an adhesive storage unit (8). The synthetic polymer (5b) may flow from the adhesive storage unit (8) into the plurality of pipes (6) and be mixed with air (5b) present in the pipes under gravity. Valves may be provided at the inlets of the plurality of pipes (6). Furthermore, actuators may be connected to the valves to open and close the valves according to instructions from a microprocessor.

[0052] In other embodiments, a pump (11) may be provided. The pump (11) may be configured to move adhesive material from the adhesive storage unit (8) to a plurality of pipes (6). The pump (11) may also be configured to control the flow rate of adhesive material in the plurality of pipes (6).

[0053] Multiple pipes (6) may be provided with multiple holes (7). The multiple holes (7) may allow the synthetic polymer to flow dripping from the multiple holes (7) to the outlet of the bubble generation unit (4). A mesh net (5) is placed on the opposite side of the discharge. The mesh nets (5) can be made to collide with each other to increase cohesiveness. This also occurs after the inflow of bubbles from the bow section (2). These three methods of increasing the flow generate bubbles with cohesiveness of microplastics, synthetic polymers, and organic starch.

[0054] Furthermore, the bubble generation unit (4) supplies pressurized air at its outlet. Therefore, the adhesive material is mixed with the air and can diffuse over a large area within the enclosed space. The adhesive material may generate an electrostatic charge between the bubbles and the microplastics. This can increase the adhesion between the bubbles and the microplastics.

[0055] Microplastics can adhere to air bubbles, and the adhesive material can be carried by the waves through holes in the bottom of the stern section (10) of the vessel (1) from the bow section (2) to the collection unit (9).

[0056] Due to the flat bottom and the water flow generated by the movement of the vessel (1), the bubbles mix and interact with each other. Through interaction, water flow, and adhesive material, microplastics adhere to the surface of the bubbles or become trapped within the bubbles. Since the adhesive material is biodegradable, excess adhesive material slowly decomposes, and the microplastics are collected at the stern of the vessel.

[0057] Microplastics attached to the bubbles may be carried upward through the collection unit (9) by buoyancy. The collection unit (9) may be configured to collect the microplastics and adhesive material attached to the bubbles.

[0058] Bubbles rise to the sea surface and come into contact with the adhesive-coated surface of the microplastic capture mechanism. Microplastics present in the seawater adhere to this adhesive-coated surface and are therefore captured. The microplastic capture mechanism collects microplastics using a mesh net (5) or a similar structure. The mesh net (5) consists of multiple pipes (6) arranged in an intersecting pattern and having multiple holes (7). The pipes (6) are connected to an adhesive storage unit (8), and the holes (7) allow the adhesive material to flow drippingly into the water and air.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment, the adhesive material is polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), which is biodegradable, water-soluble, and has a melting point of 180-190°C. In the present invention, polyvinyl alcohol with a degree of saponification of less than 90%, preferably 86.5-89%, is used.

[0060] The adhesive materials used (synthetic or natural adhesives) are biodegradable and dissolve completely in water over time. Furthermore, since the adhesive materials are harmless to aquatic biodiversity, the amount of adhesive material released into the water is not a significant concern.

[0061] In one embodiment, the sensor may be connected to a collection unit (9). The sensor may be configured to measure the amount of microplastics collected in the collection unit (9). The sensor may be connected to a microprocessor to transmit data to the microprocessor. Based on the sensor data, the microprocessor may send instructions to a pump (11) and actuators to control the flow rate of adhesive material in the multiple pipes (6). If no microplastics are present, the sensor will send data to the microprocessor indicating "no microplastics present." The microprocessor will then stop the pump (11) and instruct the actuators to close the valves to conserve adhesive material. If the sensor detects an increase in the amount of microplastics, the microprocessor may instruct the pump (11) and actuators to increase the flow rate of adhesive material in the multiple pipes (6). In this way, the amount of synthetic polymer to be used may be determined by the presence of microplastics.

[0062] A purification unit may be connected to a collection unit (9). The purification unit may separate microplastics, bubbles, adhesive material, and phytoplankton, and collect the separated microparticles. The purification unit may have a fine mesh filter that does not allow any material larger than 5 mm to pass through, or a simple filter such as an activated carbon filter, or it may be a complex system such as a Dyson vacuum cleaner, which has a drum or vacuum container, and the microparticles and adhesive material attached to the bubbles enter the upper corner of the drum or vacuum container, and depending on the angle at which they enter the container, a centrifugal force is generated, causing them to rotate in a vortex and create centrifugal force. This force causes the bubbles to burst, and the microparticles rotate and fall to the bottom of the container. The collected microplastics can be removed by emptying the microplastic container upon arrival at the destination shore, or by collecting them with an aircraft (such as a drone). In other embodiments, the collected microplastics may be incinerated on the ship (1) using ultrasound or microwaves.

[0063] Phytoplankton and other microorganisms are often captured and collected along with microplastics. The phytoplankton, microorganisms, and microplastics are separated and transferred to a storage tank (12) (see Figure 4). The vessel (1) may also be equipped with a nutrient tank (13) for storing nutrients such as nitrates, phosphates, sulfur, or chlorella (see Figure 4). The nutrient tank (13) is connected to a phytoplankton storage tank (14) to periodically supply nutrients to the phytoplankton. The storage tank (12) may be equipped with a light source in addition to a seawater inlet. The light source may be an LED bulb, an LED plant bulb, an LED grow bulb, etc. The seawater inlet may be configured to allow the uptake of phytoplankton. Phytoplankton are abundant and float in the upper layers of water where sunlight penetrates the water.

[0064] The collected phytoplankton and new phytoplankton are released into the water, thereby reactivating the ocean surface and increasing the rate of photosynthesis. Vessels (1) equipped with the system of the present invention, such as merchant ships, fishing vessels, and other navigating ships, will have increased photosynthetic rates and convert more carbon dioxide into oxygen. The increase in phytoplankton populations will attract more fish to the ocean surface zone, resulting in increased CO2 fixation and O2 production.

[0065] In the system of the present invention, the efficiency of the bubbles is improved compared to blowing microbubbles from the bottom. The bubbles move to the bottom of the vessel (1) in the water, and with the help of blowing from the bow, the bubbles cover the bottom section of the vessel and move toward the stern section (10). The pressure difference created by the depth is utilized in the stern section (10). The bubbles move from the bottom line to the collection unit (9) due to the pressure difference. In addition, the bubble ejection pressure is greater than the pressure of the seawater (including the seawater flow), allowing the bubbles to enter the seawater through the mesh pipe. Thus, the injected bubbles can be properly controlled and the bubble flow toward the outside of the mesh can be optimized. In contrast to a fishtail vessel, the buttock stern maximizes the tilt and provides a constant incline, resulting in a wider collection unit (9). Furthermore, the wider buttock stern hull is connected to the collection unit (9), and the collection unit (9) is equipped with rollers, which increases the friction between the microplastics and the air bubbles, allowing them to flow efficiently into the collection unit (9).

[0066] The present invention further enhances the photosynthetic rate and CO2-to-O2 conversion in the ocean surface zone as a method of mitigating global warming by reintroducing phytoplankton.

[0067] Example 1

[0068] Mechanism of the present invention: Waves enter the enclosed area and collide with the inner wall of the extension arm (3) and the bow, forming bubbles. Polyvinyl alcohol (adhesive) is released from nozzles and pipe holes onto the seawater surface and between the bottom of the ship and the sea surface. Bubbles and microplastics (from the bubble generation unit and bow section (2)) come into contact with the polyvinyl alcohol layer. Due to the action of the polyvinyl alcohol, the microplastics adhere to the surface of the bubbles and aggregate, flowing into the collection unit (9) at the stern. In a purification unit connected to the collection unit (9), the collected microplastics are separated from the bubbles, polyvinyl alcohol, and phytoplankton. The polyvinyl alcohol collected from the separation is transferred to the adhesive storage unit (8).

[0069] The foregoing description of exemplary embodiments of this disclosure is provided for illustrative and explanatory purposes only. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to any particular form, and it is evident from the foregoing teachings that many modifications and variations are possible. The exemplary embodiments have been selected and described to best illustrate the principles and practical applications of this disclosure, enabling those skilled in the art to best utilize this disclosure and its various embodiments, while making various modifications to suit their specific intended use. Various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are intended to be assumed or useful depending on the context, but it should be understood that they are intended to encompass the application or practice without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of this disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0070] 1 ship 2. Bow section 3. A pair of extension arms 4. Bubble generation unit 4a Closed area 5 Mesh net 5a Air inside the mesh net 5b Adhesive material within the mesh net 6 Multiple pipes 7 Multiple holes 8. Adhesive storage unit 9 Collection Units 10. Stern section 11 pumps 12 Phytoplankton storage tanks 13 Nutrient Tanks 14. Rudder 15 Propellers W sea level

Claims

1. A system for collecting microplastics in aquatic environments, A bow section (2) comprising a pair of extendable arms (3), the bow section (2) forming a closed region into which waves enter and collide with the inner walls of the extendable arms (3) above the ship's baseline and the bow, thereby naturally generating bubbles. At least one bubble generating unit (4) functionally connected to the bow section (2), A mesh net (5) having multiple holes (7) and multiple pipes (6) connected to an adhesive storage unit (8), A collection unit (9) for collecting microplastics that flow with the waves through holes in the bottom of the ship in the stern section (10), A system equipped with these features.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the bubble generating unit (4) is selected from a blower, an air compressor, or a similar device.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the bubble generation unit (4) comprises a pump (11), a nozzle, and a flow control valve.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the bubble generating unit (4) supplies bubbles into the enclosed space between the pair of extension arms (3) above the bottom line of the bow section (2).

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein the adhesive storage unit (8) is equipped with a pump (11) that controls the flow rate of adhesive material via a sensor connected to a microprocessor.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein the adhesive material is selected from synthetic adhesives or natural adhesives, the synthetic adhesive is a synthetic polymer selected from polyvinyl alcohol, and the adhesive is selected from adhesive proteins, organic starches, beeswax, wheat flour paste, tree sap, casein adhesives, or any combination thereof.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein a sufficient amount of the adhesive material to adhere microplastics is released into the water along with bubbles from the nozzle of the bubble generating unit (4) and through the holes (7) of the pipe (6).

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein the adhesive material is a solution of a synthetic polymer.

9. The system according to claim 1, wherein the synthetic polymer is in the range of 1 to 50% by weight of the solution.

10. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a wider buttock stern hull connected to the collection unit (9).

11. The system according to claim 1, wherein the collection unit (9) is connected to a purification unit, in which microplastics are separated from bubbles, adhesive materials, and phytoplankton.

12. The system according to claim 11, wherein the collection unit (9) may be equipped with a roller or brush to increase friction between the microplastics and the bubbles, thereby efficiently directing them into the collection unit (9).

13. The system according to claim 11, further comprising a storage tank (14) for storing the phytoplankton connected to the nutrient tank (15).

14. The system according to claim 13, wherein the phytoplankton are reintroduced into the water to activate the ocean surface zone and increase photosynthesis.

15. A method for collecting microplastics in aquatic environments, The steps include allowing waves to enter the enclosed area and causing them to collide with the inner wall of the extended arm (3) and the bow of the ship to naturally generate bubbles, The steps include mixing the adhesive material with naturally generated bubbles or bubbles generated by pressurized air at the outlet of the bubble generation unit (4), A step of attaching microplastics to air bubbles using a mesh net (5) having multiple pipes (6) having multiple holes (7), wherein the mesh net (5) collides with each other to increase cohesiveness and adhesion, The steps include collecting microplastics that flow with the waves through holes in the bottom of the ship and above the bottom baseline of the stern section (10) into a collection unit (9), In the purification unit, the steps include separating microplastics from air bubbles, adhesive materials, and phytoplankton, Methods that include...

16. The method according to claim 15, further comprising a sensor connected to a microprocessor in the collection unit (9), wherein the microprocessor controls the flow rate of the adhesive material via a pump (11) based on the received data.

17. The method according to claim 15, wherein a sufficient amount of the adhesive material to adhere microplastics is released into the water along with bubbles through the holes (7) of the pipe (6).

18. The method according to claim 15, wherein the phytoplankton are transferred to a storage tank (14).

19. The method according to claim 15, wherein the phytoplankton storage tank (14) releases the phytoplankton, along with new phytoplankton, into the ocean surface.

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