PEM (Plastic Eating Machine)

PEM will eliminate ocean plastic pollution, and by doing so will also eliminate the health threats that plastic waste poses. In order to reduce the amount of plastic waste in the ocean, the PEM takes in plastic from the ocean and places it into a compartment that is lined with a certain type of bacteria that will eat the plastic. This device functions automatically and runs off of solar energy, which makes it safe for the environment as well. This solution will effectively tackle the problem as it will reduce plastic pollution without upsetting the environment. If scaled globally, it is possible that the problem of plastic pollution could be eliminated forever. With plastic pollution no longer posing a problem, people all over the world would be able to freely use plastic without worrying about the negative effects that plastic waste has on the ocean ecosystem and human health.

This solution is targeted towards resolving the amount of plastic pollution in the ocean. Ocean pollution is an issue that affects everyone, on a global scale. Though the initial population that is affected are the ocean organisms, human lives are also profoundly impacted by this issue. Plastics take thousands of years to decay and are one of the most prominent sources of pollution. Before entering the ocean, plastic often absorbs toxins from other outside sources, essentially acting like sponges. The real issue begins with the fact that these toxic plastics are then ingested by animals who mistake them for food. This of course also has a significant impact on the health of humans as well as we consume these animals who have ingested these harmful toxins, hence posing a risk to human health as well. Additionally, toxins in plastics have also been found to be linked to diseases, cancers and other health issues. These different toxins can make their way to humans through contaminated water and animals, posing a major problem. Evidently, the amount of plastic waste in the ocean is a threat to human health and must  be properly addressed.

We are working to improve aquatic life and humanity as a whole. Humans, particularly the younger generations, face a difficult task of saving the Earth. Many scientists believe that if pollution increases at the rate it is currently occurring at, then the Earth will become inhabitable before the year 3000. Plastic pollution plays a significant role in the depletion of the environment. It is clear that something must be done to resolve this problem. However, despite the number of efforts to reduce the usage plastic, it is impossible to make a notable change in amount of plastic waste that is being produced. Regardless, such efforts are still encouraged as they increase awareness of the situation among society. This solution adheres to the need of plastics, while still reducing plastic pollution. Plastic production and processing provide many jobs and play an important role in the economy  Furthermore, any people prefer plastics as they are efficient and cheaper. By applying PEM people will be able to freely use plastic products without worrying about it contributing to pollution as the PEM will remove the plastics before they can build up and damage the ecosystem.

The PEM is an underwater autonomous machine that is designed to break down plastics (PET) which will eliminate plastic waste in the ocean. The machine will use the newly discovered species of bacteria/fungi that eats plastic to remove the pollutant from the ocean. This bacteria will be spread along the walls of a compartment located in the interior of the PEM. The breaking down of the plastic waste will begin to take place in this compartment. There will be robotic arm attached to the machine that will grab the plastic and bring into the machine for decomposition. This mechanism will work hand in hand with sensor that detects plastics and distinguishes them from other organisms. Through the use of the newly developed nano-technology, the sensor will be able to signal to the robotic arm to activate when plastic is detected. At the top of the POEM there are solar panels which will provide energy for the PEM to function. Furthermore, there will be a warning and tracking system that will prevent the PEM from being lost. This way, no materials will be wasted and the PEM will be able to consistently function and eliminate plastic waste. Once the PEM is full, it will resurface and the remaining plastic will be brought to a building where it will be further exposed to the enzyme (comes from the bacteria) and broken down. We are essentially providing people with a plastic collector combined with plastic decomposer that will aid saving the ocean. The isolation and cloning of the enzyme can be done through various techniques such as PCR and gene cloning through bacterial plasmids. 

There is no current usage or machine that applies the newly discovered bacteria that eats plastic (PET). At the moment scientists are more focused on speeding up the process, while we have developed concept that will actually incorporate the bacteria into solving the problem of plastic pollution. The PEM will be constructed with a number of new technologies and apply them to make a completely original and innovative machine. To begin, the PEM will be powered by solar energy. As of recent, there are no existing underwater autonomous machines that run on solar energy, making the PEM unique in its energy source. Furthermore, the PEM is completely different from other existing machines that break down plastics and recycle them. Currently, plastics can only be recycled into to certain products such as opaque fibers. With the new discovery and application of the bacteria our solution has the potential to completely recycle plastic waste back into usable plastic and change the 14% of the plastic that is being recycled into 100%. Finally, since the PEM is more mobile it can be deployed in a number of areas which can reduce plastic waste in multiple locations at the same time.

Our device incorporates both AI and nanotechnology as a key component. Nanotechnology is characterized by manipulating incredibly small things, on a near atomic scale, to create products. In our solution products of nanotechnology are used to create PEM and help control its function. Without nanotechnology, it wouldn't be possible for so many different sciences to come together and work together to create new devices/inventions. In addition, artificial intelligence plays a significant role in our solution. AI is a branch of science that creates machines with the capabilities to function human-like intelligence. The PEM uses an AI based software that controls a robotic arm that would act like a human to pick up plastic. Finally, we are using biomimicry to further enhance the performance of PEM. In a sense, biomimicry is more of an approach to innovation and uses natures natural elements and systems as a basis/inspiration. PEM is specifically designed to maintain balance in the environment as well as provide the right conditions for the bacteria to survive inside.

Our solution addresses the problem of plastic pollutions effect on the environment and human health. It does so as it directly removes the plastic from the environment, more specifically the ocean, before it can make into animals and back to humans. The additives in plastics typically aren't chemically bound and when thrown away also pick up more toxins. This toxins can directly enter into the air humans breathe, particularly in cities due to the urban environment. Additionally, plastics that enter into water sources and aquatic habitats can contaminate food and water supplies. Water and food are both things that humans cannot live without and with plastic contaminating it, the effects can be deadly on a large scale. However, since the PEM breaks down the plastic  and removes the plastic before it can contaminate, these problems will be resolved and take no effect. Moreover, by expanding, PEM can move to land and rather than being tossed in landfills, plastics can be directly delivered to the PEM which will instantly start the decomposition of the plastic. The current goal of PEM is to remove the plastic that is already in the ocean and it will easily do so by manipulating the bacteria.

PEM is still currently an idea and hasn't yet been deployed. However, we are hoping to receive enough funding that in five years it will at least be serving all of the United States.

Within five years, with PEM deployed, we hope to gain enough funding and access to materials. This will allow us to become functional all over the world, and in time eliminate all the plastic pollution from the ocean. 

Currently, we need the funding and support to create the machine. We also need to gain access to the bacteria in order to work with it. In addition, we are hoping to find someone who can develop the software for PEM and is more of an expert in that area.

We plan to gain the funding and materials we need by reaching out to local universities for access to scrap materials to work with. Furthermore, we are also looking to work with environment preservation groups to gain support and funding. 

We are currently working with Pristine Academy to get our idea out. Pristine Academy operates under the MIT Sea Grant and works to develop solutions that will help will ocean pollution. We are part of the team and PEM is directed towards helping with that issue as well.

Three people, being me, my sister Alina, and James Brave Wolf.

There are currently very few people who are familiar with the bacteria and both my sister and I are very committed to making an impact on saving the Earth. In addition, James is familiar with various institutions with similar goals and can help make it happen. 

We are working with Pristine Academy to seek out funding and develop connections.

We are non-profit and are working to create revenue. 

We are hoping to mainly operate off of funding from institutions that have a similar goal and want to help preserve the environment.

We are applying to solve as we believe that it is one of the best ways to get our ideas out to the public and gain funding. Solve will hopefully allow us to bring our ideas to life and give us a jumpstart to the actual construction of the PEM. We are currently working to gain access to scrap materials from universities such as Rutgers/Princeton, however, if we were to be selected we would no longer have to worry about whether or not we have enough supplies/materials. Furthermore, we believe that the mentorship and connections that can be gained through Solve will be incredibly beneficial in providing us access to the bacteria and developing the technology needed.

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We are hoping to work with the Surfrider Foundation which is a non-profit organization that is committed to similar goals as we are. They operate on a global scale and work to preserve the beaches and the ocean. One of their key focuses is plastic pollution which PEM specifically targets and works on. We hope to partner with them to gain funding and gain opportunities to deploy the machine to evaluate its success.

AI is a key part of our device as it is what controls the function of the robotic arm and the sensor. With the prize money we will be able to develop the software necessary that will make the the sensor and robotic arm work hand in hand. In addition, the money will allow for us to purchase materials that we need.

Our team will use the prize to fund the development of PEM and supply materials and the bacteria.

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We will prize money to fund research on the conditions that the bacteria survive the best and use that data to improve the internal structure of PEM. In addition, that information can be used to contribute to other innovations that work to prevent pollution as well.

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