CEI 2015 Research Presentations

Topic 1: Simulation of an Ecosystem: Construction of an Ecosphere

Michael AU, Ryan CHUNG, Oscar LUN, Flora MAN, Susan QIAN

Various threats are posed on ocean, from conventional sewage pollution, over-fishing, coastal development, to oil exploitation, microplastic pollution and global warming. All these are destroying our precious ocean and its ecosystems. Once the ecosystem is upset, it is, despite modern technological knowhow, impossible to recover it fully.

The present project attempts to recover an ecosphere are illustrated. Ecosphere, firstly was designed in 1982, is a sealed aquarium that simulate the ocean. It consists of two biotic components: shrimp and algae. The ecosphere is considered as a closed system and, ideally, only sunlight is needed to sustain its operation.

Within the ecosphere, the biotic components and sunlight (abiotic component) interact. Energy from sunlight supports the photosynthesis of the algae. Through this, oxygen and food for shrimps are produced. The shrimps eat the algae and excrete “wastes”. These “wastes” serve as a nutrient source for algae in return. Therefore, feeding shrimps manually in not necessary in this sealed ecosphere, or else the equilibrium of this ecosystem will be upset.

However, despite a few biotic components in the ecosphere, maintaining its equilibrium is not easy. After repeated attempts and careful selection of strong species of shrimps, we can barely maintain the ecosphere to be self-sufficient for at most a few weeks. It seems that knowing the theory of ecosphere does not necessarily mean the capability of creating a completely self-sufficient ecosphere. The complexity of the small ecosphere gives us a great implication when the ocean is referred: the unknowns in the vast ocean are far more than what seem to be understood. Destruction to the ocean is most probably irreversible, especially when we are still not able to master completely the science and processes within the little ecosphere.

Topic 2: Microplastic in Daily Products and Pollution in Ocean

Nicole CHAU, Marco CHOW, Violet GIM, Jason LAM

Despite various controlling, mitigation and conservation measures adopted by the government of Hong Kong, the problem of pollution in ocean is still a concern. Among, Marine Parks symbolize significantly the effort spent.

Recently, there are four Marine Parks in Hong Kong, covering less than 1% of the total marine area. They serve as centers of conservation, education, recreation and scientific studies of the ocean. In these Parks, ecologically-destructive activities like unauthorised fishing, hunting or trawling are all prohibited. However, with more development projects, for example, reclamation, around Marine Parks, the effectiveness and limitations of these Parks are being once reviewed and evaluated.

Regardless the effort spent by the government, the key to ocean conservation still lies on our style of everyday life.

In the recent project, we are going to introduce a type of pollutants resulted from our daily product – microplastic. Microplastic refers to all plastic particles smaller than 5 millimetres that are not biodegradable. It is wide found in some daily household products, for instance, facial cleanser, toothpaste etc. Although the impact of microplastic on wildlife and human health are yet to be investigated, it is found to be hazardous to the marine environment and ecology.

Conservation effort should not be solely done by the government. All of us are playing an important role in restoring the ocean, relieving the its environmental stress. Consuming less products with microplastic is one of the direct ways to help alleviate the problem of pollution in ocean.

Through this project, it is hoped that the awareness on the discharge of microplastic to ocean can be drawn. Future of the ocean largely depends on how we adjust our style of everyday life. Prompt action must be taken to sustain this valuable natural resource – the ocean.

Topic 3: Exploring the Feasibility and Limitations of Tidal Energy in Hong Kong

Phoebe CHOY, Alison LUI, Cecillia YU

Hong Kong is a highly urbanized city. Electricity is the key to maintain production and quality of living. Recently, most electricity of Hong Kong is generated by the combustion of coal and natural gas. A small part of it sources from nuclear power and hydro-electricity power imported from Guangdong Province.

Although there is a wind power generator Hong Kong, it is experimental and can only support at most 250 households. Exploring other renewable energy resources is an essential issue to keep our energy combination environmentally responsible and sustainable. Being at coastal location, some suggests tidal energy is a type of renewable energy with great potential of development.

Tidal power is generated from the kinetic energy which is released during high tides. Although the variations in geographical locations, relief and time limits the electricity generation capability of different sites, tides are caused by the combined effects of the force of gravity exerted by the Moon, Sun, and rotation of the Earth, and thus, tides are quite predictable and tidal energy is, therefore, reliable.

In the present study, we aim to explore the feasibility of developing tidal power in Hong Kong. The effectiveness of constructing tidal barrages for tidal energy in different places in Hong Kong will be evaluated in terms of the energy generation capacity. The hypothetical annual maximum potential tidal power generation will be compared against the total electricity consumption for a clearer picture.