By: Quinn Riordan

The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) furthered the discussion on the reduction of plastic, and eventually the eradication of plastic materials in the oceans and seas. According to the delegate of Malaysia, a new technology was proposed that would “completely eliminate” microplastics and plastic in the oceans using algae. 

In the past decade, microplastics and plastic have outnumbered fish in the ocean,  indefinitely altering Earth’s ecosystem. According to a study led by biological oceanographer Jennifer Brandon of Scripps Institution of Oceanography, “the abundance of microplastics is closer to 8.3 million pieces per cubic meter.” 

The new technology proposed by the delegate of Malaysia claims that algae can breakdown and absorb plastic, transforming it into biofuel that can then be sold for profit. This technology is a spring-shaped nitrogen-coated carbon nanotube that functions to crumple microplastics and allows magnets to be used to attract and then eliminate plastics in the oceans. 

“Being able to turn the plastic into a profit can be beneficial to nations around the world and provide an incentive to fund the reduction of plastic,” the delegate of Malaysia said. 

This new technology is proposed in a Working Paper article, Plastic to Profit, but has raised questions over the ability to apply the technology worldwide, as well as the effects of it on the preexisting ecosystem, the delegate of Ecuador said. 

These questions have lead to different approaches, with hopes to provide a comprehensive and multi-faceted perspective in eliminating plastic in the seas. The delegates have proposed solutions ranging from research, new technology, plastic bans, private sector certifications, social media campaigns, and national holidays, the delegate of Kenya said. 

“Providing a comprehensive solution is key through private sector certification, campaigns, research, and new technology. If we can cover all the areas of society, we can reduce and end plastic in the ocean, creating a better world for the marine life and humans,” the delegate of Ecuador said.