Funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Marine Debris Challenge Competition, a research team from Cornell University, Princeton University, and University of Michigan will create a microplastic collector robot called MOLLUSCA, that can be deployed in teams to efficiently remove microplastics from bodies of water. With inspiration from the particle capturing mechanism of snails, these robots will utilize interfacial pumping and integrate a novel impedance spectroscopy sensor to detect and remove microplastics.
As of this project, New York Sea Grant is working with schools and community groups across New York State to raise awareness of plastic pollution and inspire bio-inspired designs to tackle environmental challenges. During the three-year project, teachers and educators are invited to participate in a curriculum development program that will create lesson plans that can be integrated into their classrooms and includes a classroom version of the robot that can use with their learners.
For more information
• Visit the curriculum development program’s Google Site
• Contact NYSG Great Lakes Literacy Specialist Nate Drag at nwd4@cornell.edu