The solution to the channels submerged by plastic: here is the underwater robot that is freeing Venice from pollution

Not only gondolas and romantic sunsets. The waters of Venice they also do the background to a silent emergency: tons of plastic waste who invade the seabed of the canals, threatening the lagoon ecosystem. But the technology runs to the rescue, with an avant -garde underwater robot ready to clean up the seabed and return its ancient splendor to the Serenissima.

Every year, millions of plastic tons end up in the seas, threatening marine fauna and, indirectly, human health. Experts predict that By 2040 plastic waste in the oceans could triple if you don’t intervene decisively. The problem does not only concern floating waste: most of the plastic sinks, creating invisible but devastating submerged landfills.

One of the symbolic places of this emergency is Venice. In its historic channels they accumulate Tires, fishing nets and plastic cofferswhich are fragmented in dangerous microplastics. Cleaning these waste is a huge challenge: cloudy water and the risk for divers make operations expensive and complex.

Venice and the robot that cleans the seabed

To deal with the problem, a team of researchers from theCNR-Ismar Marine Science Institute It has developed an innovative solution: an underwater robot capable of removing waste without damaging the marine ecosystem. The project, called Maelstromis financed by the European Union e combines artificial intelligence with advanced mechanical technologies. During the tests in the Grand Canal, the robot has shown that it can recover large objects such as tires and sheet metal, reducing the risk to divers.

Fantina Madicardocoordinator of the project, underlined the importance of this technology not only for Venice to Euronews, but for all coastal cities: “Many waste accumulate in ports and seabed, making recovery difficult. Robots can make the process safer and more effective. “

Robotic innovation in detail

The “Maelstrom” robot is not a simple submarine vehicle. Equipped with high resolution Sonar sensors, it is able to Map the seabed And precisely identify the waste. Artificial intelligence allows him to distinguish between debris and marine life forms, avoiding damage to the ecosystem. The mechanical arms, carefully designed, allow you to grab and raise heavy objects without dispersing microplastics.

A crucial aspect is the ability of the robot of independently. Once scheduled, it can follow predefined paths and clean the time and costs of the operations in an efficient way. Furthermore, the possibility of transmit images in real time allows researchers to monitor operations and intervene if necessary.

Portugal: the bubble barrier that stops plastic before you get to the sea

While Venice addresses the problem in its canals, another method is being tested in Portugal to block plastic before it reaches the ocean. TO Vila do Condeon the river Avea bubble barrier has been installed: an air bubble system that creates an invisible curtain capable of stopping plastic waste, letting fish and boats pass.

This technology is under study by the Interdisciplinary center of marine and environmental research of the University of Portowhich is analyzing its impact on the ecosystem. “We know that we are collecting less waste downstream, but more time is needed to evaluate the overall benefit on the environment,” explained the professor Isabel Sousa Pinto.

How does the bubble barrier work?

There bubble barrier It is an ingenious and relatively simple system. A perforated tube, positioned on the bottom of the river, releases compressed air that climbs to the surface, creating a curtain of bubbles. This barrier deflect floating waste towards a collection area, where they can be removed.

One of the main advantages of this technology is his low environmental impact. The air bubbles do not damage the marine fauna and do not interfere with navigation. In addition, the system is a low energy consumption and can be powered by renewable sources.

Scientists are carefully monitoring the effectiveness of the barrier, analyzing the quantity and type of waste intercepted. They are also studying the impact on fish species and on the ecosystem of the summer, to make sure that the long -term sustainable solution is.

Technology and prevention: the key to saving the seas

If these high-tech solutions offer concrete help, experts agree that the real challenge is to prevent plastic from ending up in the oceans. For this reason, the Maelstrom project also works on prevention: awareness campaignscollaboration with industries to reduce the use of plastic e educational programs to involve local communities.

The researcher Luís R. Vieira Del Ciimar highlights that technology alone is not enough: “Cleaning the sea is important, but without a cultural and legislative change, the problem will not be solved. We must reduce waste to the source And responsible for people“.