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https://www.thecooldown.com/green-tech/ai-algorithm-ocean-plastic-pollution-clean/>
'A new AI-powered solution could transform how we clean up plastic pollution in
the ocean by making removal more efficient, according to a new study published
in
Operations Research by INFORMS.
The study, titled "Optimizing the Path Towards Plastic-Free Oceans," introduces
a cutting-edge algorithm that boosts plastic collection efficiency by more than
60%. Already being used by nonprofit The Ocean Cleanup, the algorithm helps
optimize the paths taken by plastic-collecting ships.
"With analytics, we can dramatically improve plastic removal efforts in the
ocean," said study co-author Dick den Hertog of the University of Amsterdam.
"By optimizing routes in real time, we ensure every sweep collects as much
plastic as possible."
Most ocean cleanup efforts have typically used relatively basic routing
strategies, but this new technology replaces human guesswork. Using real-time
data and a scalable algorithm, the AI system quickly finds the most efficient
paths, which is especially useful in a constantly shifting water environment.
This is an encouraging breakthrough, considering that, according to recent
studies, the world's oceans now contain more than 170 trillion plastic
particles. Not only does plastic pollution threaten the fishing industry,
tourism, human health (via microplastics getting into our bodies), and the
global food chain, it's harmful for marine life, which can throw entire
ecosystems out of whack.
"Our work demonstrates that AI and operations research aren't just for finance
or tech — they can actively solve environmental challenges," said Jean
Pauphilet of London Business School. "With smarter analytics, we can make ocean
cleanup efforts far more effective and get closer to a plastic-free future."'
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
