Beaches Are Getting Some High-Tech Cleanup Help
(DailyVantage.com) – During the warmer months, people flock to the lakes, rivers, and beaches to soak up the sun. They often leave a lot of mess behind to end up in the water. Some areas are starting to employ high-tech cleaning devices to combat the growing issue and minimize, if not eliminate, the effects of pollution.
The devices currently used in the Great Lakes, Lake Tahoe, and some Florida beaches, including in Clearwater and St. Pete, are collecting trash, from the typical plastic bottles and cigarette butts people leave behind to the microplastics that find their way into the water. The BeBot, for example, is a large robot that resembles a Zamboni, only for sand instead of ice. It sifts the surface layer, cleaning out refuse that falls or gets pushed under the sand as people walk on it.
BeBot to the rescue! #StrictlyRobots pic.twitter.com/stRZrtYrul
— Mashable (@mashable) September 28, 2022
PixieDrone is a floating device that collects trash from the water. With its built-in LIDAR technology, it can easily avoid obstacles. This machine runs through a web app and is suitable for various waterways but isn’t rugged enough for use in oceans. The Great Lakes Plastic Cleanup project employs this drone to clean regional waters.
Next up – the PixieDrone!
What an exciting day unleashing this innovative technology into #LakeMichigan thanks to funding from our valued partner @meijer! #meijercommunity @GLPCleanup #GreatLakes pic.twitter.com/rO2NSJTPzn
— CGLR (@CGLRGreatlakes) August 23, 2022
These are just two of the devices available, but they’re costly because of their new position in the market. The BeBot, for example, rings in at $55,000, while the PixieDrone is $33,000. Others include the Seabin for marinas, the LittaTrap for storm drains, and the Gutter Bin, a filtration system for stormwater. These smaller devices still cost up to $10,000.
The device creators and the cleanup projects employing innovative tools hope to improve land and water quality significantly. Still, those in charge of cleanup efforts also hope to draw more awareness to their cause. Engaging people to learn more offers a chance to educate the public about the long-term damage discarded items can leave behind.
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