
FerroBoat Team
Name:
Age:
City:
Hanoi
Country:
Vietnam
Thema:
Living planet
Reward:
Finalist of the Global Children's Designathon 2025, Vietnam
FerroBoat is an innovative model that helps address microplastic pollution – a type of "invisible" pollution – on the Red River, by combining solar energy and microplastic extraction technology using ferrofluid and magnets." "The idea was born from the fact that plastic waste discharged into water bodies releases microplastics into the water. While we can easily collect plastic waste, microplastics are invisible to the naked eye, making them difficult to collect. If we use water contaminated with microplastics for livestock and agriculture, it means that microplastics are also present in the food we consume daily." "Significance for a livable city: FerroBoat helps clean the water sources in the areas along the Red River – where people depend on river water for agriculture and daily life. The project not only cleans but also raises awareness about this dangerous type of pollution, contributing to the goal of building a sustainable and healthy city." "Operating mechanism: Ferrofluid will attract microplastic particles in the water. Magnets attached to the boat retain the microplastics as the boat moves. Solar panels provide completely clean electricity for operation. The ferrofluid is reused, creating an environmentally friendly cycle. The propeller helps the boat move smoothly through sections of the river." "Simulation of materials used: Foam board for the boat hull design. Solar panel. Ferrofluid. Magnets. Propeller."