Who: Anna Du, 14
What: Invented a remote-controlled vehicle that can be used to detect microplastics on the ocean floor
Anna Du is determined to get plastic waste out of the world’s oceans. The eighth-grader from Andover, Massachusetts, is especially concerned about tiny pieces of plastic called microplastics.
All plastic in the ocean is a big problem, especially for sea life. Marine animals can die from eating it. But unlike larger pieces that float on the ocean’s surface, microplastics often sink to the seafloor. Because of that‚ and because they are so tiny, microplastics are much harder to clean up.
So Anna developed a remotely operated vehicle that moves along the seafloor and detects microplastics. It uses a camera, infrared light, and computer software to identify the tiny plastic pieces.
Anna has won a top national science award for her creation. She hopes a fleet of the machines can one day scan key areas of the ocean floor.
“What’s really important is to spread the word about this and inspire other people to work on their own projects to help the world,” Anna says.