The Cumberland River experiences a high concentration of litter after rainfall events. This litter eventually degrades into microplastics which can negatively impact wildlife and human health. Most of this litter flows into the Cumberland River through smaller streams. The Cumberland River Compact worked with Vanderbilt School of Engineering students to design a device that can be placed in smaller streams in Nashville to capture surface litter before it ever reaches the Cumberland. In this interview, we hear from the students about the creation of the device, lessons learned, and next steps for implementation. 
Student Team:

Andrew Albert, Mechanical Engineering Student
Eric Shanahan, Mechanical Engineering Student
Jim Kirk, Mechanical Engineering Student
Mathew MacDonald, Mechanical Engineering Student
Nicholas Spurlock, Biomedical Engineering Student
Sam Rowland, Civil Engineering Student
Serena Hostetter, Mechanical Engineering Student

Support the Cumberland River Compact's River Talks program: https://cumberlandrivercompact.org/get-involved/donate/
SHOW NOTES:
See photos from the project in this slideshow.
Get involved in the Compact's Adopt-a-Stream program.
Contact Ross Miller for more information: [email protected]

Ver todos los episodios