The Andong River Experiment Center boasts experimental channels with lengths of 700 meters, widths of 11 meters, and heights of 2 meters, in both straight and curved forms. It is equipped with a laboratory dedicated to testing technologies for dike failure and urban flood defense, under the guidance of the Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology.
To address the escalating issue of marine debris, which significantly pollutes the oceans, a team at the Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology (headed by President Kim, Byung-suk) has innovated a method to minimize floating debris in rivers.
Recognizing rivers as primary conduits for terrestrial marine debris, Dr. Sang Hwa Jung and his team initiated a living lab project that engages local authorities, residents, and specialists.
Chungcheongnam-do, or Chungnam, with its extensive 500 rivers and streams, has South Korea’s third-longest coastline. The region has witnessed an annual increase in marine debris, approximately 61.2% of which is riverborne. In 2019, Chungnam installed an interceptor, but it suffered structural damages during intense rains and floods due to its design not considering the river’s specific characteristics.
To bolster the practicality of AI analysis technology, data was gathered from square basins and full-scale experimental channels at the River Experiment Center in Andong, Gyeongsangbuk-do.
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Development and Evaluation of the Interceptor Facility
The project aimed not only to ensure the interceptor’s structural integrity but also to create and test a facility that aids in debris collection, adapts to river water level fluctuations, and includes monitoring capabilities for optimal collection timing.
Dr. Jung’s team undertook various research phases, including river analysis, optimal site selection, barrier design, and constructing the interceptor in collaboration with Foresys Co., Ltd. This comprehensive approach involved numerical model experiments and empirical testing at the River Experiment Center, which spans 192,051 square meters and houses South Korea’s largest testing infrastructure.
Integration and Implementation, Including AI
In May 2023, an interceptor was installed on the Yugu-cheon in Gongju, Chungnam. This project also incorporated a monitoring system, developed with input from local governments, to schedule debris collection and provide real-time operational updates.
An AI-based support system was also developed, leveraging image data to analyze the river’s floating debris and establish optimal collection intervals.
Impact and Future Directions
Dr. Jung highlighted the challenges of ocean garbage collection and the importance of intercepting debris in rivers. He emphasized the merger of traditional river engineering with modern technologies like IT and AI to address both local and global environmental issues.
The community highly anticipates the project’s benefits, focusing on technology development through living labs and sustainability. The Yugu-cheon interceptor and its monitoring system are slated for continuous improvements until 2026, with plans to extend these innovations to other rivers in collaboration with local governments.
Funding was provided by the Ministry of Science and ICT.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Marine Debris Interception
What is the purpose of the marine debris interception project in South Korea?
The project aims to reduce marine debris, a significant pollutant in oceans, by intercepting and collecting it in rivers before it reaches the sea. This is achieved through innovative technology that combines traditional river engineering with advanced AI and information technology.
How does the interceptor facility work?
The interceptor facility is designed to collect floating debris in rivers. It is equipped with features to adapt to changing water levels and includes a monitoring system for determining the optimal time for debris collection. The facility’s design and construction consider the specific characteristics of the river to ensure effectiveness and durability.
Where is the interceptor facility installed?
The interceptor facility is installed on the Yugu-cheon in Gongju, Chungcheongnam-do, which is a region in South Korea with a significant number of rivers and streams and a considerable amount of marine debris.
What role does AI play in this project?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is used to analyze the amount and composition of floating debris in the river. This analysis helps in determining the appropriate cycle for debris collection, enhancing the efficiency of the operation.
What are the future prospects for this project?
The project is expected to continue improving until 2026, with a focus on sustainability and technological development. Discussions are underway to expand the use of this technology to other rivers, in collaboration with local governments, thereby amplifying its impact on environmental conservation.
More about Marine Debris Interception
- Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology
- Chungcheongnam-do Environmental Initiatives
- River Experiment Center in Andong
- AI and Environmental Conservation Studies
- Sustainable Marine Debris Management Practices
- South Korea’s River Pollution Solutions
4 comments
Wow this is such an amazing initiative, its great to see AI being used for environmental protection! Kudos to Dr. Jung and his team.
it’s about time more countries took this kind of action, our oceans need all the help they can get. Impressive work South Korea!
I’m not sure how effective these interceptors will be long term? Marine debris is a huge problem, but can tech really solve it alone…
Interesting use of AI, but how accurate is the data analysis? Debris varies so much in size and type, seems like a big challenge.