Tackling Water Pollution: University of Southampton Unveils Mylah’s Sea Boat Filter
Keeping rivers and seas free from litter is an important environmental challenge, and Mylah’s Sea Boat Filter is an inventive idea designed to help tackle the problem. Mylah, from Hunnyhill Ormiston Academy, submitted her idea to Primary Engineer’s ‘If you were an engineer, what would you do?’ Leaders Award competition, where pupils are invited to imagine engineering solutions to real-world issues.
The University of Southampton ProtoTeam selected Mylah’s idea to develop into a prototype. The team recognised the potential of a design focused on removing floating waste from waterways while encouraging people to think about how engineering can help protect the natural environment.
The prototype developed by the team is a compact catamaran-mounted collector that uses a sub-surface Bubble Curtain to guide floating litter towards a conveyor system. The conveyor lifts waste from the water and deposits it into a lined storage container for easy removal. Designed for use in shallow rivers and sheltered waterways, the system is intended to collect plastics and other light debris while remaining simple to operate and suitable for community use.
The project offered opportunities to explore a range of engineering concepts, including waste collection, movement through water and prototype testing. During development, the team carried out physical testing of both the Bubble Curtain and conveyor systems using water tanks and outdoor flume environments. These tests helped demonstrate the effectiveness of the concept and informed the final design proposal.
Through the development process, the team considered how the system could operate effectively while maintaining low visual impact and supporting practical deployment in real-world locations. The result is a thoughtful engineering solution inspired by a young person’s desire to help keep waterways clean.
The Sea Boat Filter demonstrates how an idea from a primary school pupil can inspire innovative thinking and contribute to discussions about environmental sustainability, engineering and community action.
The finished prototype was officially unveiled on 10th June at the South England regional award ceremony hosted at the University of Southampton.
The 2026/27 Competition is Officially OPEN so get involved to experience the fun! Register for full competition access and resources here: https://leadersaward.com/resource-area-registration/