Black flies erupted into the air as plastic waste cascaded from bamboo conveyor belts into skips on a solar-powered barge striving to cleanse Bangkok's Chao Phraya River. This innovative approach is part of The Ocean Cleanup project's mission to mitigate plastic pollution before it reaches the seas.
Launched recently, the \"interceptor\" operates by harnessing the river's current to channel plastic debris into the barge's collection system. This boat-like structure features a floating barrier that effectively traps waste, ensuring that synthetic materials are removed from the river's flow.
Founded in 2013 by Boyan Slat, The Ocean Cleanup is a global non-profit dedicated to removing plastic pollution from the world's oceans. Slat emphasized the significance of the Chao Phraya River, stating, \"The Chao Prayo is actually the largest, the single largest source, of plastic pollution for the Gulf of Thailand.\" He highlighted the ecological and economic importance of the Gulf, noting its vital role in tourism and fisheries. \"It's very important to us to tackle this plastic pollution here,\" Slat added.
By deploying sustainable technology in Bangkok, The Ocean Cleanup aims to protect both the environment and the livelihoods that depend on the Gulf of Thailand, setting a precedent for similar initiatives worldwide.
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Plastic 'interceptor' tackles trash in Thailand's Chao Phraya river
cgtn.com
