Student Research Reports
The development of floating Devices to absorb oil spills at sea
Organization(s):Princess Chulabhorn Science High School Trang
Country:Thailand
Student(s):1.Mr.Anonnut Jiamdee
2.Mr.Nuttapon Sengngay
3.Mr.Woramet Prayunhong
Grade Level:Secondary School (grades 9-12, ages 14-18)
GLOBE Educator(s):Apasri Chumchuen, Neungruthai Chaimanee
Contributors:
Report Type(s):International Virtual Science Symposium Report
Protocols:Dissolved Oxygen, pH, Salinity, Water Temperature
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Language(s):English
Date Submitted:03/03/2025
The development of the floating oil-absorbing device for oil spills in the sea was part of a study on water quality at Mod Tanoi Beach, Kantang District, Trang Province, from 2017 to the present. The study found that the average water temperature had increased, pH levels and dissolved oxygen (DO) levels had decreased, while salinity remained constant. These changes may be due to the discharge of untreated household wastewater into the water source by local residents, as well as a high volume of marine transportation in the area. The research team studied water quality at two locations: the Mod Tanoi Beach community and the area behind Mod Tanoi Beach, Kantang District, Trang Province. Water quality parameters, including temperature, pH, DO, and salinity, were collected. The results indicated that the water quality in the community area was below standard, with a significant presence of oil slicks in the water. To address this issue, the researchers designed and developed a floating oil-absorbing device to remove the oil spills. The floating structure is made of rust-resistant coated steel, measuring 1.3 x 1.5 x 0.93 meters. The oil absorption tank is made from HDPE plastic, and the filter is made from "Khor Chok" grass. The device also includes an external oil slick sensor under the box and additional sensors inside for detecting oil slicks, measuring pH levels, and monitoring temperature. The device operates using energy from solar panels. Test results showed that the absorption efficiency of the filter ranged from 10.92 to 12.05 times its weight. Water quality from the treated water by the device showed temperatures ranging from 28.9 – 29.3°C, pH levels between 7.0 – 7.4, DO levels between 4.7 – 5.1 mg/L, and salinity between 31 – 33 ppt. These values fall within the standard limits for safe discharge into the sea.