Water Pollution CS 410 Presentation I

Introduction Adrian Ostolski Computer Science Major 7 years in the Navy Treasurer of ODU ACM

Problem Due to pollution, ocean organisms are mutating and suffocating. Marine food supplies are diminishing. People die from pollution also. 80% of ocean pollution comes from land. Trash blows in from beaches, chemicals seep down drains, and toxics are illegally dumped. From algae to whales, there is a huge impact.

Problem Estimates suggest that nearly 1.5 billion people lack safe drinking water and that at least 5 million deaths per year can be attributed to waterborne diseases. There are up to 100 million tons of plastic in the ocean Eight of the world’s ten mega cities are located on the coast: Buenos Aires, Calcutta, Lagos, Los Angeles, Mumbai, New York City, Shanghai, and Tokyo.

Problem “ Thanks to pollution, a day at the beach can be an expensive affair. A study of two California beaches indicates that illnesses associated with swimming in contaminated waters cost the public more than $3 million annually. ” (Scientific American)

Problem (Definitions) Two types of water pollutants exist; point source and nonpoint source. Point sources of pollution occur when harmful substances are emitted directly into a body of water. A nonpoint source delivers pollutants indirectly through environmental changes.

Solution An integrated sensor net will monitor pollution over the course of the title cycle and determine areas of pollution problems. This information will then be mapped out as part of a larger network that can be utilized by authorities to combat pollution.

Customer/Market There is a big market for tourist areas. About 80% of all tourist flock to coastal areas. Beaches and coral reefs are the most popular destinations. Government-healthcare, saves lives Saves money!

Competition Found none, but many articles exploring the idea of a sensor mesh network.

Components Network of sensors which relays information to larger network and maps out pollution. Sensors can be attached to buoys already in place. The technology exists for point sources of pollution to be monitored and regulated, although political factors may complicate matters.

Benefits of solution Stop the killing of marine life, which interrupts the balance of the ecosystem. Save human lives by preventing illness! Save money by stopping damage before it occurs. $$$

Problems with solution Lost sensors? Location of buoys too close to shore to provide enough warning to control pollution? Only 0.6% of the ocean is Marine Protected Areas, most of which are within 12 miles of shore. Ocean regulation is blurry due to international barriers.

References EC st.html millions-in-health-care/ life-started-are-dying-part-iii/

Questions?