17-Year-Old Haaziq Kazi Designs Ocean Cleanup Ship Prototype to Tackle Plastic Pollution

Haaziq Kazi, a 17-year-old from Maharashtra, India, has been recognized as one of the Unstoppable 21 Indians under 21 by the TOI #Unstoppable21 jury for his innovative approach to addressing plastic waste in the oceans. With a strong vision of cleansing our oceans, Haaziq has designed a prototype of a ship capable of removing plastic waste from the seas using centripetal force.

Haaziq's invention, known as ERVIS, functions like a large vacuum cleaner with tubes connected to sizable dust bags. Plastic waste constitutes around 80% of all marine pollution, and an alarming 8 to 10 million metric tons of plastic find their way into the oceans annually. Haaziq's inspiration for ERVIS came from observing the swirl of water going down the drain while washing his hands, leading him to create a ship with saucers attached to it.

Encouraged by his parents, Nilofer and Sarfaraz Kazi, Haaziq pursued his dream relentlessly. He excelled academically and was involved in various extracurricular activities, such as playing the piano and speed cubing. Currently studying in the United States, he is researching ways to construct a functional ERVIS prototype.

Haaziq has devised a three-tier plan for removing plastic waste from the seas, involving segregation, analysis, and prevention of ocean pollution. ERVIS will be powered by solar and renewable energy, and it operates by creating a whirlpool to pull waste towards its center for segregation into different sizes. The filtered water can then be returned to the ocean.

Despite the brilliant idea, Haaziq faces challenges due to funding constraints. Constructing such a ship requires millions of dollars, prompting Haaziq to explore ways to monetize waste collection by meeting with venture capitalists and experts.

In the meantime, Haaziq has established the ERVIS Foundation to promote behavioral change by educating young people about the threats to the marine ecosystem. The foundation conducts various events, including workshops, conclaves, and talk shows, where experts discuss environmental issues.

Moreover, Haaziq is actively involved in addressing the impact of sargassum algae on the marine ecosystem and is working on robotics-based projects, such as an underwater research vehicle resembling a drone.

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Reference:

timesofabetterindia