MIT Solve

Solution Overview

Solution Name

Aquatic Resources Restoration Coalition(A . R . R . C)

One-line solution summary.

We hypothesize that with a self-navigating de-eutrophication device, integrated with a prioritizing "intelligent" software, eutrophication can be reduced effectively.

Elevator pitch

What is your solution?

Proposed Device

N.O.A.H.(Nautical Overhaul Algorithmic Hydrocraft) is an innovative submarine vessel designed to efficiently tackle eutrophication. The hull is created for optimized volume. Instead of tail cones typically used on the rear submarines, the size of our design allows nose cone on the front and back, while giving space for electrical wiring and GPS tracking.

Innovative systems for electrolysis and de-eutrophication allows for the replenishing of vital indicators in aquatic ecosystems such as dissolved oxygen. Designed unconventionally to increase environmental friendliness, This craft is powered by piezoelectricity, and in order for pressure to reach the piezo material, the vessel's hull has been designed to be able to bend slightly.

The design is paired to work "smartly" with a machine learning algorithm. This algorithm serves to establish "buffer zones" to prevent the spread of eutrophication. Furthermore, It also ensures the safety of the hydrocraft, and analyzes weather and necessity to prioritize the areas for the hydrocraft to travel to and de-eutrophy.

What specific problem are you trying to solve?

The deterioration of aquatic resources is a growing concern around the world. One of the main factors of worsening quality is the concept of eutrophication. Eutrophication is notably characterized by an extreme growth in algal life. This can cause low dissolved oxygen levels, increased turbidity, and decreased sunlight in lower lake strata, which, in turn affects the sustainability of life in eutrophied ecosystems.

Eutrophication is caused by an unnatural influx of nutrients into the aquatic bodies. These are typically nutrients found minimally in nature, preventing specific algal life from growing in excess. This excess of nutrients can usually be attributed to human activities like modern agriculture - fertilizer runoff can eutrophy aquatic bodies

Eutrophication also occurs in large oceans, where there are so-called dead zones, occurring from the same nutrients, and these dead zones can now be found in several hundred places around the world. Eutrophication in oceans may have been an important contributor to one of the world’s five previous mass extinction events. Already today, some dead zones have expanded to cover tens of thousands of square kilometers. The process of eutrophication does, therefore, radically change the marine ecosystem.

Everyone should be concerned about this issue because it affects all of us. Eutrophication is a chain reaction - its effects on ecosystems affect things like marine life which can impact human endeavors like fisheries. The chain impact eventually trickles down to all consumers of the world, not just those present in nature.

Who does your solution serve? In what ways will the solution impact their lives?

N.O.A.H will help in monitoring, treating and restoring the aquatic systems (mainly large water bodies, i.e., seas) affected by eutrophication, furthermore, decreasing human dependency. Our solution being economically feasible, technologically accessible, and culturally acceptable, we believe that it will create a positive impact.

Environmental Impact

A.R.R.C's aim is to monitor curb eutrophication which further aids in solving several other complications including the death of marine life. Additionally, we align ourselves with the goals of SDG 14, Life Below Water. Using
sustainable power sources to run N.O.A.H, we have ensured an environmentally friendly solution.

Economic Impact Social and Cultural Impact

With eutrophication being a chain reaction and ultimately affecting human economic activities, mainly fishery, managing and restoring the affected aquatic systems will revitalize the economic activity and will give rise to the GDP contribution of fishery in the county. Furthermore, our solution is
economically feasible (long term) and technologically accessible. Local and traditional water bodies provide various cultural ecosystem services. People
receive a great deal of non-material benefits including cultural heritage, social relationships and artistic inspiration. By restoring these traditional aquatic systems along with restoring traditional economic activity (fishery), we aim to create a social and cultural impact as well.

What steps have you taken to understand the needs of the population you want to serve?

We gained feedback on our proposed hypothesis from experts in the field of marine sciences and related studies, and looked for trends or themes and summarized what we learnt. We worked with Dr. Dean Goodwin (Environmental Science Expert) and Mr. Juan Teran (Mentor) who have guided us through our solution.

Which aspects of the Challenge does your solution most closely address?

Taking action to combat climate change and its impacts (Sustainability)

Our solution's stage of development:

Concept: An idea being explored for its feasibility to build a product, service, or business model based on that idea

Explain why you selected this stage of development for your solution—in other words, what have you accomplished to date?

Concept - We wanted to create a solution specifically aimed towards a certain UNSDG Sustainability goal (relating to climate change) and we hope to turn this idea into reality, eventually starting a venture & collaborating with the US Department of Agriculture and the National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration.

Where our solution team is headquartered or located:

Wilmington, DE, USA

Team Lead:

Srijay Chenna