Arduino-Based AquaRobo: Marine Garbage Collector

Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements in

Research IV

Bautro, Rizalyn S.
Empuesto, Trisha N.
Nonles, Frankie B.
Olarte, Erl Zyril S.
Sedillo, John Daryl T.
Tutanes, Julia Rose G.
Researchers

Ms. Shai Requiso

Research Adviser

Ayala National High School

Ayala, Zamboanga City

February 2024
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Contents Pages
Title page………………………………………………………………….….................i
Table of contents…………………………………………….....………………...……..ii
List of figures………………………………………………….………………….……iii

I. INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study………………………………………….…………………...1
Statement of the problem……………………………………………………….……...3
Hypothesis……………………………………………………….…………………….4
Conceptual Framework……………………………………………………….……….4
Significance of the Study ………………………………………….………….………5
Scope and Delimitation……………………………………………..............................6
Operational Definition of Terms…………………………………................................7

II. METHODOLOGY
Research Locale ………………………………………………………………………8
Research Design……………………………………………………………………….8
Sampling Design……………………………………………………………………….9
Procedure………………………………………………………….…………………...11
Statistical Tool and Data Analysis……………………………......................................15
Waste Disposal…………………………………………………………………………15
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List of Figures

Figure 1. Conceptual Framework of the Study ……………………………………4

Figure 2. Flowchart for the General Procedure……………………………………10
 CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

According to Lehnis (2023), the ocean has become a crime scene. Presently, an

estimated 50-75 trillion pieces of plastic and microplastics inundate the marine

environment, manifesting in the formation of colossal garbage patches or disintegration

into microscopic particles. Constituting 80% of all marine pollution, plastic waste

continues to pose a significant threat. Alarmingly, between 8-10 million metric tons of

plastic debris enter the ocean annually. If prevailing patterns persist, projections indicate

that by 2050, the aggregate mass of plastic could surpass that of all marine life,

highlighting a dire trajectory for oceanic ecosystems.

Water pollution transpires when detrimental substances, frequently chemicals or

microorganisms, infiltrate a watercourse, be it a stream, river, lake, ocean, aquifer, or any

other water body. This intrusion compromises the purity of the water, rendering it

harmful to both humans and the environment (NRDC, 2023).

The Philippines stands as one of the leading contributors to global plastic

pollution, discharging an annual range of 0.28 to 0.75 million tons of plastic into the

oceans, primarily through coastal areas surrounding Manila Bay. Furthermore, substantial

quantities of plastic waste are deposited into the country's rivers each year. Fishermen

have voiced grievances over the detrimental effects of plastics on coral reefs, citing

suffocation and ecosystem disruption, which consequently results in diminished fish

yields (Filipenco,2023).
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The Environment and Management Bureau (EMB) under the Department of

Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has formally urged the Zamboanga City

Government to tackle the pollution issues affecting public beaches within the locality.

However, the City Government has not yet initiated any action in response to this request

(Casas,2017).

As outlined by Jones (2022), attempts aimed at remedying this concern, such as

the utilization of boats and ocean clean-up initiatives, might inadvertently yield adverse

outcomes, potentially leading to harm and fatalities among sea creatures. Additionally,

marine scientists emphasize that the employment of large ships, which rely on fossil

fuels, to traverse the waters and deploy nets can result in air and climate pollution.

Despite the considerable attention and over $30 million in donations garnered by

technology-based initiatives like Ocean Clean Up since 2013, the project has faced

significant challenges and criticism. A feasibility assessment conducted in 2014 raised

concerns about its effectiveness in capturing smaller plastic particles, potential harm to

wildlife, and difficulties in adverse sea conditions. Additionally, a trial in 2018 had to be

halted prematurely due to structural failures, and the system struggled to retain the

collected plastic (Meyer , 2019)

There are some other inventions that collect plastic waste on the surface of the

ocean. It only collects plastic waste on the surface of the ocean but how about

underwater? Millions of marine lives were taken because of plastic pollution, trapping,

and killing marine lives.

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Inspired by the pollution problem, researchers will make a cheap and eco-friendly

invention—Arduino-Based AquaRobo: Marine Garbage Collector for underwater

garbage collection. The researcher conducted this study to lessen the waste in the ocean

and to help the living creatures and organisms with the goal of addressing a major global

problem that affects everyone and is anticipated to play a crucial role in mitigating the

threat of water pollution.

Statement of the Problem

This study aims to investigate the efficiency of Arduino-Based AquaRobo:

Marine Garbage Collector for Underwater Trash.

1.What is the suitable depth and distance combinations for a trash-collecting device

through nine trials?

Trials 1-3(1ft depth, 3ft, 5ft; 2m distance)

Trials 4-6(1ft depth, 3ft, 5ft; 4m distance)

Trials 7-9(1ft depth, 3ft, 5ft; 6m distance)

2.Is there a significant difference on the reaction time of the device with the suitable

depth and distance combination?

3. What is the maximum storage capacity (kilograms) the device can carry in suitable

depth and distance combination?

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Hypothesis

There is a significant difference in the suitable depth and distance combinations for a

trash-collecting device through nine trials.

Trials 1-3 (1 ft. depth, 3 ft., 5 ft., 2 m. distance)

Trials 4-6 (1 ft. depth, 3 ft., 5 ft., 4 m. distance)

Trials 7-9 (1 ft. depth, 3 ft., 5 ft., 6 m. distance)

There is a significant difference in the reaction time of the device with the suitable depth

and distance combination.

There is a significant difference in the maximum storage capacity (kilograms) the device

can carry in suitable depth and distance combinations.

Conceptual Framework

INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

Distance and depth

Storage capacity
Reaction time
Development of the
Remote-control
Electrical system for the
Electrical wiring materials device
Arduino-Based AquaRobo:
Arduino Development of the physical Garbage Collector
Servomotor structure of the device

Ultrasonic sensor
Cam
Styrofoam

Figure 1. Conceptual Framework of the Study

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Figure 1 shows the conceptual framework of the study where the input maximum

distance and depth, storage capacity, and reaction time where the device will be tested,

and all materials used to assemble and create the device. The process entailed the creation

of the device using the materials such remote-control, electrical wiring material, Arduino,

servomotor, ultrasonic sensor, cam, battery, galloon, propeller, Styrofoam. The output is

the created device which is the Arduino-Based AquaRobo: Marine Garbage Collector.

Significance of the Study

This study will greatly contribute significant benefits to the following:

Community (People who live near the ocean). It can help them to have a sustainable

oxygen supply and reduces and minimizes numbers of factors of water pollution in which

it affects the livelihoods of residents or civilians for whom fishing is their primary source

of income.

Environment. To lessen the threat that plastic waste causes to marine life.

Marine Animals. Minimizes numbers of underwater animals from being killed or

poisoned by any form of underwater wastes.

Coral reefs. By removing ectoparasites and decreasing stress hormone levels in various

reef fish species, their presence on coral reefs leads to an increase in both fish population

and diversity.

Future Researchers. Future researchers can derive substantial value from this study by

selecting the same topic for their related investigations.

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Scope and Delimitation.

This study will be conducted Purok 1B Arzadon, Recodo, Zamboanga City, at

Bautro's residence and it will be experimented at Zone 6, Coco Beach, Ayala, Zamboanga

City. The study will mainly focus on the efficacy Arduino-Based AquaRobo: Garbage

Collector for underwater wastes and seeks to identify the difference between the

maximum distance and depth, reaction time, and the maximum storage capacity the robot

can collect garbage effectively.

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Operational Definition of Terms

Based on the study's context, the researcher determined that the following terms needed

definitions:

Arduino. An open-source hardware development platform will be used for the invention.

AquaRobo. The purpose of this device is to gather garbage underwater.

Battery. This will supply the AquaRobo with the power it needs for the gadget to

operate.

Dc Motor. This variable will cause the propeller to rotate.

Go Pro Camera. This allows the researchers to see underwater.

Propeller. This will enable both horizontal and vertical movement for the AquaRobo.

Remote Control. This will be used to control the Aquarobo device so it can avoid heavy

underwater debris.

Servomotor. The device will be able to open and close the net as a result.

Maximum Capacity. Refers to the maximum mass and volume the device can

accumulate.

Maximum Distance. Refers to the furthest point at which the device can be controlled by

the controller.

Reaction Time. Refer a to the amount of time that passes between the device and the

controller.
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CHAPTER II

METHODOLOGY

This Chapter presents the type of research design employed and the general

procedure followed in the conduct and experimentation of the study.

Research Locale

This study will be conducted at Bautro's residence at Purok 1B Arzadon, Recodo,

Zamboanga City, and it will be experimented with in Zone 6, Coco Beach, Ayala,

Zamboanga City. Hence, Bautro's residence was chosen by the researchers as the

location for their experimentation due to the availability of shops like Map Hardware and

other stores where they could buy certain required materials. Also, there are other

materials and tools that can be found in their homes.

Research Design

This study will follow an experimental research design which is Completely

Randomized Design (CRD) to test the efficiency of the device as garbage collector. All

experimental units are in the same conditions and there is no restriction in randomization

of experimental units. For the experiments, there will be a total of 9 trials. The invention

or device in this study will be tested for 9 trials to be able to conduct the experiment for

the maximum distance and depth, reaction time and waste storage capacity.
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Sampling Design

Since the researchers will only make (1) device, replicates will not be employed

in this study. The experimentation will be conducted by allowing (9) trials for the

maximum distance and depth, reaction time and maximum storage capacity of the device.

General Procedure
GATHERING/PREPARATION ASSEMBLING MAKING THE
OF MATERIALS THE SUBMARINE PROPELLER

CONNECTING WIRES ON INSTALLATION OF MAKING THE

THE MOTHERBOARD DC MOTOR BALANCING
FIN

INSTALLATION OF INSTALLATION INSTALLATION

SERVOMOTOR OF ULTRASONIC
OF ARDUINO

MAXIMUM WASTE MAXIMUM INSTALLATION

STORAGE CAPACITY DISTANCE RANGE OF GO PRO
TESTING TESTING CAMERA

MAXIMUM TIME AND

DEPTH TESTING

Figure 2. Flowchart for the General Procedure

This figure shows the general flow of how the procedures will be done.
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Gathering of Materials /Preparation of Materials

Materials are the following: Remote-control toy car parts, 2 Gallons (25 Liters),

Silicon glue, diameter of 5cm Empty cans as propeller, 5x3cm Tin cans, Wire, Straw,

Electrical Tape, Styrofoam, Battery consists of d352 18650 4200mAh with 9 Voltage.

Direct current (DC) motor, Arduino, Servomotor, Beads or small stones and Net are parts

that will be needed by the researchers. These materials will be gathered by the

researchers available on their own perspective houses. Other materials will be gathered or

purchased by the researchers through local stores and hardware.

ASSEMBLING THE SUBMARINE

The materials will be gathered by the researchers in one place. In making the

submarine, two same-size 1.5 L bottles will be cut in the bottom. The four caps of the

plastic bottles will be holed in the middle using a cutter or knife. After that, the two direct

current (DC) motors that are being used inside the remote-controlled toy car will be

placed and glued to the two plastic bottle caps using silicon glue. To make a container to

place the DC motor for the propeller, use the cap of a plastic bottle, immediately locked

in the middle, and knit it with a hot glue stick or silicone glue. The same two plastic

bottle that was cut in half by the researchers was used to store the DC motor inside the

bottle, and the DC motors will be placed by the researchers in the back portion and

bottom of the submarine and will be used for turning the propeller. The beads or small

stones will be placed by the researchers inside the two-jointed plastic bottle for it to
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balance. Then, the wires will be connected to the receiver board, and the two bottles will

be glued together by the researchers.

MAKING THE PROPELLER

The large empty can of fruit cocktail was used to make the propeller. From that

can, form two large circles using the compass; the size of the circle is 6 cm in radius, to

produce a propeller for the submarine. After making the propeller, the propeller will be

placed on the tip of the bottle caps, where the DC motor is connected. The 9-voltage

battery will be connected to the wire on the receiver board where the DC motor is

connected.

MAKING THE BALANCING FIN

Using the fiber glass and can, the father of one of the researchers made a

balancing fin on the edge of the two-jointed 1.5 L bottles. Relating it to the fin of a fish.

In making this, the two-fiber glass and one can, with a size of _ x _ cm, made the length

and width and cut it to look like a fish fin.

ASSEMBLING THE GARBAGE COLLECTOR

The PVC cube covered with a net will be the garbage holder. In making this, a 1/2

size of PVC pipe will be cut out in two sizes by the researchers: _ inches and __inches,

and ___inches of four wooden sticks were also cut. After cutting the pipes and wooden

sticks, eight pieces of 1/2-inch elbow plain will be drilled to make a hole in the middle,

and two tee plains were also purchased. Then, assemble the PVC pipes and wooden sticks

in cube form, inserting the elbow and tee pieces. The __ x _ cm of net will be cut out and

placed tightly on the PVC cube.

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Maximum Distance Range Testing

The experiment will be conducted by researchers at Zone 6, Ayala, Zamboanga City,

with a focus on evaluating the performance of the Arduino-Based AquaRobo: Marine

Garbage Collector. This evaluation will take place within a controlled environment

adhering to scientific protocols. The maximum distance range will be determined using

the pull-push rule, ensuring consistency and reliability in the experimental procedure.

During experimentation, the device will be submerged in water, and its movement will be

controlled by the researchers. The propeller's response will be monitored, and the device's

movement will be halted once it becomes uncontrollable. Subsequently, the distance

between the controller and the device will be precisely measured by the researchers.

Maximum Waste Storage Capacity Testing

The evaluation of the maximum waste storage capacity will be conducted

at Zone 6, Ayala, Zamboanga City, A weighing scale will be utilized to accurately

quantify the weight of the garbage collected during the experiment. Experimental

procedures will involve the deployment of standardized 100 mL water bottles, each

weighing 0.5 kg, into the sea by the researchers. These bottles, serving as representative

waste items, will be placed onto the device until the point of submersion is reached. In

each trial, the researchers will systematically add water bottles to the device to assess its

capacity. The first trial will involve the placement of two (2) water bottles, totaling 1 kg.

Subsequently, the second trial will include three (3) water bottles, totaling 1.5 kg, while

the third trial will comprise four (4) water bottles, totaling 2 kg.
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Time and Maximum Depth Testing

For the reaction time and maximum depth testing. The experiment will be conducted by

the researchers at Zone 6 Ayala, Zamboanga City. The Remote Control Aqua-Submarine

Robot Garbage Collector will be conducted in a controlled setting. The reaction time will

be tested using a stopwatch timer, and it will be measured by the researchers as the

reaction time between the device and the controller. or testing the maximum depth, with

the use of the pull push rule, the researchers will determine the maximum depth (in feet)

underwater. For experimentation, the device will be placed under the water until it gets its

maximum distance from the water surface and its reaction time with the controller. Each

trial involves submerging the device to its different depth measurement until it gets its

best reaction time with the controller in connection with the suitable depth of the device

underwater, and these trials will be repeated nine times.

Statistical Tool and Data Analysis

Mean, Standard deviation, and One-Way Analysis of Variance was used to

analyse the data gathered during experimentation.

Waste Disposal

After the experimentation, the waste will be properly disposed of. The remains of the

materials will dispose into the proper waste segregation away from any properties and

living things.
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REFERENCE LISTS

Lehnis, M. (2023, January 31). Nets, Plastic, Underwater Crime – How to Stop Ocean

Pollution. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/mariannelehnis/2023/01/31/nets-

plastic-underwater-crime--how-to-stop-ocean-pollution/?sh=26734c43641c

NRDC (2023, January 11). Water pollution: Everything you need to know.

https://www.nrdc.org/stories/water-pollution-everything-you-need-know

Daniil Felipenco. (2023, January 06). Water pollution in the Philippines.

https://www.developmentaid.org/news-stream/post/155108/water-pollution-in-the

philippines?

fbclid=IwAR1t6Cz5zfMS8OkuSWnAgioX40nKIPvgwb_gfhnfMThTJ30-

t9MNb0x4e4M

John Dave N. Casas. (2017, January 22). DENR: 3 Zamboanga City public beaches

heavily polluted. SunStar Publishing Inc. https://www.sunstar.com.ph/more-

articles/denr-3-zamboanga-city-public-beaches-heavily-polluted-.

Meyer, R. (2019, October 28). The Ocean Cleanup successfully collects ocean plastic,

aims to scale design. Mongabay Environmental News.

https://news.mongabay.com/2019/10/the-ocean-cleanup-successfully-collects-

ocean-plastic-aims-to-scale-design/
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