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A Sustainable and Futuristic Landfill Design
Author : Kennesha Garg, Grade 9
Education Institution: American High School, Fremont, CA, USA
Publication Date : May 20, 2021
Abstract :
16% of anthropogenic methane originates from landfills because of anaerobic decomposition and ineffective landfill gas (LFG) extraction. Leachate, or toxic water that permeates through trash, risks contaminating the groundwater by seeping underground. My solution mitigates this impact by using biomimicry, green chemistry, and industrial designing, and it ensures that different safety systems and protocols are present to make landfills into sustainable and reliable architecture. Not only does my solution address today’s needs, but also takes the evolving future into consideration by creating annual revenue, utilizing modern technology, and bringing us one step closer to reducing climate change.
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Multi-Layered Aerosol Repellent Facemask Design
Author : Arjun Nanduri, Grade 9
Education Institution: Lake Nona Highschool, Orlando, FL, USA
Publication Date : March 10, 2021
Abstract :
The purpose of this research article is to address the overwhelming infectious rates of airborne diseases resulting in many deaths throughout the world. This problem has brought to question the effectiveness and utility of current facemask solutions. With rising death counts day by day, a functional solution is needed. My solution design, a new cost-effective mask uses a multi-layered solution to step-by-step ensure pathogens are barred from entry, differing from conventional surgery masks and other basic solutions. Furthermore, in comparison to other multi-layered masks, this solution design fixes the air you breathe combining both aspects of charcoal to purify the air and a new technology in the form of hygroscopic wool, trapping excess moisture within along with the pathogens, outclassing other masks. Using biomimicry, such as the nanoscopic bumps of the lotus leaves (or similar hydrophobic material) further prevents the moisture from entering, thus allowing the creation of a better and more efficient mask, ensuring the air you breathe is free of aerosols when using this mask.
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Toxic Algae Lifecycle Disruption and Removal System
Author : Shaina Patel, Grade 9
Education Institution: Hamden Hall Country Day School, Hamden, CT, USA
Publication Date : October 29, 2020
Abstract :
Toxic algae blooms in our water bodies are a growing concern to both human health and the environment. This innovative design solution is an effective, energy efficient, and eco-friendly multi-part solution which disrupts the algae lifecycle and permanently removes algae and cysts from freshwater ecosystems. Each solution design contains various inspirations from nature, allowing the processes of sequestering CO2, filtering chemical runoff, blocking sunlight, and capturing algae from bodies of water much faster and safer for the environment. This design surpasses the effectiveness of any current solution as it utilizes nature’s time-tested strategies. By addressing more than one factor, the success rate of this solution design will be much higher.
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Effective Safe Air Disinfectant Purifier
Author : Isaac Yang, Grade 11
Education Institution: Washington High School, Fremont, CA, USA
Publication Date : August 26, 2020
Abstract :
The device is both an air purifier and a disinfector while also being energy efficient and eco-friendly. The air purification features several layers each inspired by nature and having a role to play in cleaning the air. The disinfector features a revolutionary new idea of using enzymes to destroy pathogens. This new technology outclasses the use of UV-C radiation as people and life, in general, are able to coexist while the air is being disinfected. Innovation flows throughout the entire device, whether it be in the dye-sensitized solar cells, or the biodegradable filter wraps. By embracing nature’s time-tested designs, this solution is effective no matter how the pathogens evolve.
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PŪR-CIGARETTE
Author : Akash Raman, Grade 11
Education Institution: Cranbrook Kingswood High School, Bloomfield Hills, MI, USA
Publication Date : August 26, 2020
Abstract :
Many innocent lives, both people and animals, have been taken due to fatal diseases caused by smoking, specifically second hand smoke and the littering of cigarette butts. The seemingly harmless, hardly visible cigarette smoke might look enjoyable to experience in your everyday commercial, but it actually contains up to 70 dangerous carcinogens, such as nicotine, formaldehyde, benzene, carbon monoxide that could kill you. The problems of smoking also include the littering of cigarette butts, which also contains toxins and plastic. Innocent animals eat these and die painful deaths. How can we solve these problems to provide safety to our environment and protection of our loved ones?
Using the innovative techniques of biomimicry, the study of how nature can solve our everyday problems, I have created a design called the Pūr Cigarette device. It consists of a covering called the Cigarette Sheath for the smoker to cover the cigarette and smoke. The smoker does not even have to carry a lighter because there is an inbuilt one that is activated through a button when the cigarette touches the back of the filter. This device filters the smoke as the smoker is smoking. Attached to the Cigarette sheath is a device called the Cigarette Butt Recycling System that separates the components of the leftover cigarette butt and makes it easier to recycle. There is also a separate Room-Air Filter which improves the general air quality of any room with cigarette smoke.
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River Waste Collection and Disposal System
Author : Lieth Elbzour, Grade 11
Education Institution: Dixon High School, Dixon, IL, USA
Publication Date : August 26, 2020
Abstract :
This research paper addresses the overwhelming issue of plastic wastes in our oceans and rivers. My design aims to reduce and dispose of all waste floating around in rivers before it enters larger bodies of water. Plastic wastes harm marine life and eventually will begin to harm us.
There is already tons of waste in the ocean, the trap system I have developed targets trash that hasn’t reached the ocean yet. In order for there to be a sustainable marine life in our future we must start little by little.
Biomimicry was the main inspiration for my solution design. My design is based off of one of nature’s many filtration systems. The filter works with just the movement of the river pushing the debris. The debris then ends up in the waste bin. The waste bin can adjust its height based on the water level. This is all powered with renewable energy such as solar and wind and operates autonomously.
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Nuclear Fusion
Author : Hari Srinivasan, Grade 11
Education Institution: Quarry Lane High School, Dublin, CA, USA.
Publication Date : July 24, 2020
Abstract :
The purpose of this research article is to provide an answer to a question that might progress human technology and production to new avenues. Finding a renewable and clean energy source is a very difficult task, as each clean energy source has its own complications that prevent it from universal usage. However, one of these is nuclear fusion which has been hypothesized to be the best method of energy production, but was never proven due to complications with money and efficiency. This research article strives to give a solution.
The solution is based on biological methods of energy production. Biology and evolution has done millions of years of trial and error to test which is the most efficient way for an organism to gain energy. While the comparison between biological organisms and a nuclear fusion power plant is not one to one, we should still consider the biological brilliance of our energy production process. The solution takes inspiration from design strategies of biological energy production as well as pre-existing fusion reactors.
While this solution may not be the definitive answer on how to construct a nuclear fusion reactor, it should guide nuclear fusion research closer to the answer with more biological inspirations. While money is always an issue, the benefits of mastering nuclear fusion heavily outweigh the costs.
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Micro-flow: Household Microplastic Filter
Author : Saniya Shrotriya, Grade 11
Education Institution: Milpitas High School, Milpitas, CA, USA
Publication Date : July 24, 2020
Abstract :
Many microplastics land in the ocean via household drains. This research article aims to describe the features of a microplastic filter that people can implement in their daily lives in order to resolve this issue. The device includes three separate filters for optimal results. The topmost filter allows larger waste to be trapped to prevent any obstructions in the microplastic portion of the filter. The next segment is for microplastics smaller than 0.5 mm. This includes a series of grooves that allows microplastics to flow through and eventually stick to a sticky mucus layer. The rest of the microplastics greater than 0.5 mm are trapped in a small sealable bag at the end of the filter. Biomimicry is incorporated throughout the article to create efficient filtration solutions. Marine animals and organisms are the main source of inspiration as they contain their own filtration systems.
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Safe Desalination Brine Disposal and Treatment system
Author : Saiganesya Jonnalagadda, Grade 11
Education Institution: Armador Valley High School, Pleasonton, CA, USA
Publication Date : July 24, 2020
Abstract :
This research article aims to address the problem of toxic Brine being produced and reduce its harmful effect on the environment. My design solution will increase efficiency in the Desalination Plants and also allow for a much cleaner output from the plant. Biomimicry was an inspiration for my solution design, and it allowed me to study living organisms that remove toxic chemicals and reduce the salt levels in the solution.
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Carcinogen Detection to Prevent Cancer
Author : William Zhao. Grade 9
Education Institution: Lowell High School, San Francisco, CA, USA
Publication Date : July 24, 2020
Abstract :
The best way to reduce cancer and other diseases is to just avoid getting it entirely. In this paper, I will look through what causes cancer and other diseases and go through solutions that will help people be aware and avoid these carcinogenic substances. The solution chosen will also contain a hub and sensors to detect the most common types of air pollution where you will place it in your house or your workspace. The data collected will be compiled and shown in an easily accessible app, which will also act as a barcode scanner to detect if there are any carcinogenic ingredients in the products you purchase. In the end, I aim to achieve a solution people can easily integrate into their life without interfering with them too much, and help people become aware about these dangers rather than letting them stay in the dark.
