Problem: How can we clean up oil spills using an environmentally friendly method?

Solution: The OAC (Oil Absorbent Cotton) Skimmer! A flat cotton fiber sponge soaked with the
oil-eating bacteria ​Alcanivorax Borkumensis​. The sponge will skim across the surface of the oil,
pulled by a boat, and the bacteria will break the oil down.

Why should you buy this product?

We have combined existing methods of oil spill cleanup with innovative materials
engineering to create this new product! This is the first time that bioremediation in the
form of ​Alcanivorax Borkumensis​ has been used as a marketable product. With a
biodegradable cotton fiber sponge, bacteria that breaks down oil naturally, and a lack of
harmful toxins, the OAC skimmer is the next solution for a world with an increasing need
for environmentally friendly options. The climate is changing, and our solutions to the oil
spill problem need to change with it. This is why you should invest in the OAC skimmer,
the next step to a cleaner planet.

How does the bacteria work?

The bacteria feeds on hydrocarbons, specifically alkanes, when in the presence of

oxygen. It breaks down the hydrocarbons into harmless compounds. Since these
hydrocarbons are plentiful in oil, the bacteria will have lots of fuel. When the bacteria
breaks down alkanes, it produces biosurfactants. This is a layer of material that forms
along the cell membrane. These biosurfactants reduce surface tension and act as
emulsifiers, making the oil easier to break down. It also prefers salty environments,
making the ocean its perfect home.

How we followed the Engineering Design process:

Define the Problem:​ According to the US Department of Energy, 1.3 million gallons of
oil spill into US waters alone each year. While looking into existing methods of oil spill
cleanup, we found that many of them are harmful to the environment. Burning the oil
releases toxins into the air, chemical dispersants release harmful chemicals into the
ocean, and skimmers do not collect much oil.

Generate Concepts:​ We used a classification scheme to come up with three different

possible design concepts. We had decided on a bacteria infused sponge after
conducting a survey, but we used the classification scheme to determine the shape of
the sponge, the method of bacteria delivery, and the method of delivery into the ocean.
Our first concept was a flat bacteria infused sponge that uses eco-friendly materials and
is dragged by a drone. Our second concept was a long, thin sponge that uses recyclable
materials with bacteria grown directly inside it. It would be dragged behind a boat and
collect oil as it went. Our third concept was a thick bacteria-soaked sponge made of
biodegradable materials that would be dropped off by a boat and sit in the ocean.

Develop a Solution:​ After our concept generation, we used a decision matrix to narrow
down our ideas to one concept. We assigned different weights to each of our evaluation
criteria, with all the weights adding up to 1. Floats Well received a value of 0.3, Bacteria
Works Well received a value of 0.3, Easy to Transport received a value on 0.1, Safe for
Environment received a value of 0.2, and Low Cost received a value of 0.1. We then
assigned each concept a rank between 1 and 10 for each criteria and multiplied these by
the weighted values. After our evaluation, Concept 1 received a 6.2, Concept 2 received
a 6.0, and Concept 3 received a 6.1. Because of these results and our own logistical
concerns, we chose Concept 1 with slight alterations. Instead of a drone, we will use a
boat to pull the sponge.

Construct and Test a Prototype:​ We did materials testing to choose between

polypropylene, cotton fiber, and peat moss. The cotton fiber absorbed the most oil and is
also the most environmentally friendly. After this testing, we created several prototypes
of our flat cotton fiber sponge with 3-D printed PLA rings and nylon rope attached to a
boat. The rings will be steel in the actual product, but we have used PLA in our
prototypes to save money. The prototype has been tested, and it is effective in soaking
up oil. Due to money constraints, we do not have access to the bacteria, but we have
created a simulation to show how it works. We would also like to use biostimulation to
create a Carbon:Nitrogen:Phosphorus ratio of 100:10:1 to fuel the bacteria.

Evaluate Solution:​ There are a few risks with this solution, but they can be effectively
minimized. Addition of nitrogen and phosphorous to the environment could potentially be
detrimental. However, the bacteria will use these nutrients as fuel, so they will be
consumed. Addition of these nutrients to oceans has been done before, and proper
oversight and management are key to minimizing this risk. Another risk comes from the
introduction of bacteria to the ecosystem. However, this bacteria is native to most ocean
environments, and the population naturally grows and shrinks drastically. Again, proper
oversight and management are key.

Present Solution:​ We will be presenting this solution to the community and to

professionals for judging at the STEM presentation and awards night.