Junior

RIVEROLLIES
Philippines

https://piggotts.co.uk/products/flags/international-flags/philippines-national-flag-sewn/
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Front Page …..........…….………………………...……….….……..……………..…...... 1

Table of Contents …..........…….………………………...…….……..…………….…...... 2

Team Presentation ……………………………………………………………..………… 3

Summary Project Idea ………………………….……………………………...………... 4

Presenting Robot Solution …………………………………………………………….... 5

Background of the Study ………………..………………………………...……... 5

Inspiration Behind the Project ………………..…………………………...….….. 6

Related Study ………………..………………………………………….…….…. 7

Mechanical Construction of the Project ……………………………….……..…. 7

Coding of the Project ………………..……………………………………..….… 8

Challenges Faced During Development ………………..…………….…….…… 9

Social Impact & Innovation ………………………………………………..………… 10

Entrepreneurship Aspect …………………………………………………….………. 11

References ……………………………………………………………………..……… 13
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Team Presentation

Our team consists of three members, Stephanie Beltran, Gillian Grady, and Mier

Mallari. We are students from Regional Science High School III competing in OCRC with

our project RIVEROLLIES, an arduino uno automated waste interception device designed for

river pollution with an email alert system and LoRa technology. To ensure efficiency of our

team we have divided the tasks in coordination of each members strengths in the following

fields:

Hi! I’m Stephanie B. Beltran

I handle the structural engineering of the device!

Hello! I am Gillian Cailyn C. Grady

I do the programming of codes!

Hi there! I’m Mier A. Mallari

My task is to analyze the data!
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Summary Project Data

The research paper titled “RIVEROLLIES: Arduino Uno Automated Waste

Interception Device for Pollution Control in Rivers Using LoRa and Email Alert System”

analyzes the performance of RIVEROLLIES in intercepting waste in rivers. The device was

tested using the Input-Process-Output (IPO) research paradigm. The input consisted of river

waste, the process involved testing the device (waste collection in a simulated environment),

and the output included two key results: the device’s sensitivity (response time) and

maximum weight capacity. The anticipated outcomes indicated that the device was expected

to send an email alert within one minute, and its maximum weight capacity was 2 kg. The

results revealed that RIVEROLLIES was effective in collecting river waste, with an average

capacity of 2.344 kg, and sending an email alert within 19.74 seconds. Additionally, the

assessments and results from this prototype serve as a well-founded basis for further

innovation in similar projects that follow the same principles.

Keywords: interception, waste, river, pollution, LoRa

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Presenting Robot Solution

The Problem and Its Background

Improperly disposed trash is a growing environmental concern, particularly in

waterways that lead to the sea (EPA, 2024). When it rains, trash in canals is often carried

downstream into rivers and eventually into the ocean. This flow of waste poses significant

threats to marine life, as plastics and other pollutants can harm or kill marine species. The

accumulation of trash in aquatic environments can lead to habitat destruction, the death of

marine animals, and the disruption of entire ecosystems (NOAA, 2025).

This study aimed to address this issue by creating a device that autonomously

removed trash from rivers, particularly under bridges where water from rivers and canals

flowed into the sea. By intercepting waste before it reached the ocean, the device helped

protect marine ecosystems, reduce pollution, and promote a healthier environment for both

marine life and the communities that depended on these waters.

The objective was to develop a device that efficiently collected waste in rivers,

preventing trash from entering the sea. The device focused on improving the collection and

disposal of waste, thereby safeguarding marine life and reducing the environmental impact of

pollution. By addressing these critical areas, the research contributed to the preservation of

marine biodiversity and the health of river ecosystems.

The device included enhancements to improve resilience against strong water currents

commonly found in river environments, ensuring its stability and effectiveness in varying

conditions. Additionally, the email alert system using LoRa technology was incorporated to

allow for efficient monitoring and maintenance.

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To ensure efficient monitoring and maintenance, the integration of LoRa (Long

Range) technology offered a practical solution. Since LoRa enabled long-range, low-power

communication, it was well-suited for environmental applications like waste collection in

waterways. By utilizing this technology, the device could transmit real-time data on waste

levels, allowing for timely interventions and reducing the risk of overflow.

Moreover, incorporating LoRa into the monitoring system allowed for a network of

sensors to be deployed across a designated area. This setup enabled continuous tracking of

environmental conditions, ensuring that potential issues were detected early. The ability to

gather and transmit real-time data not only improved response time but also contributed to

more effective waste management strategies. With this proactive approach, the system

minimized disruptions while helping to maintain cleaner and healthier aquatic environments.

The integration of a stepper motor further improved the device’s waste-handling

efficiency. To optimize the collection process, the email alert was triggered when the weight

sensor detected that the collection net was within 80-90% of its weight capacity. This

proactive measure ensured timely notifications for maintenance and waste collection,

allowing for a more effective response before the net reached its full capacity.

Inspiration Behind the Project

We were inspired by the increasing problem of marine pollution, particularly the

accumulation of trash in brackish water environments under bridges. Given the urgency of

addressing waterway pollution, the team aimed to design an innovative robotic solution

capable of collecting and preventing trash from reaching the open sea.

Initially, multiple approaches were considered, including:

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● A manually operated trash skimmer

● A fully automated water filtration system

● A floating trash net system

After evaluating these ideas, we decided on an autonomous, Arduino based waste

interception device system due to its efficiency, adaptability, and sustainability.

Related Study

During research, existing technologies such as The Ocean Cleanup's river interceptor

and similar floating trash collectors were discovered. However, most of these solutions focus

on large-scale applications and struggle with maneuverability in smaller water bodies. Our

design stands out due to its:

● Targeted application in river environments (bridges, brackish, estuaries)

● Compact and adaptable structure for limited-space deployment

● Integration of LoRa-based Email alerts.

● Energy-efficient operation to maximize sustainability

Mechanical Construction of the Project

Our autonomous waste collector is designed with the following key components:

1. Base: The base is made of transparent acrylic glass, a clear and durable material that

protects and houses the device's main components. It ensures visibility while

providing a sturdy enclosure to keep internal parts safe and secure.

2. Trash Storage Compartment: A net designed to catch and contain the trash.
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3. Arduino Uno: A microcontroller board that acts as the brain of the device. It processes

inputs from sensors and controls outputs, making it central to the device’s operation.

4. Load Cell: A sensor used to measure weight or force. It helps the device accurately

detect loads or pressures, converting mechanical force into an electrical signal for data

processing.

5. LoRa Module: A long-ranged communication module that enables wireless data

transmission over long distances.

6. Esp32: A powerful and versatile microcontroller with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

capabilities. It adds wireless communication to the system, enabling remote control

and data transfer over the internet or local network.

7. Stepper Motor: A stepper motor is an electric motor that moves in small, precise

steps, allowing for accurate control of position.

Coding of the Project

The robotic system is controlled via an Arduino microcontroller with the following

functionalities:

● Arduino Uno: Processes inputs from sensors and controls outputs, making it central to

the device’s operation.

● Sensor: The Load Cell continuously measures the weight while the HX711 coverts the

signals to digital values.

● Esp32 with LoRa Module: Enables long-range and wireless communication. Sends an

Email alert when the trash compartment reaches program weight.

● Stepper Motor: Rotates and pulls the net when the device reaches the programmed

weight capacity.
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Challenges Faced During Development

We encountered several challenges throughout the development process:

1. LoRa Connectivity Issues: LoRa receiver not working due to coding issues.

2. Mechanical Alignment: Adjusting the Load cell to ensure accurate measurement of

weight.

3. Esp32: Esp32 not connecting to Wifi.

4. Manufacturing defects: Some materials bought are defective and cannot be used.

5. Wiring: Wrong connection of wires lead to errors.

Despite these obstacles, our perseverance led to a functional and reliable robotic

solution that effectively addresses marine pollution in brackish water environments. Our next

steps include optimizing the design for mass deployment and further refining the automation

processes to enhance efficiency.

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Social Impact & Innovation

RIVEROLLIES offers a solution to river pollution, the device is designed to intercept

waste in rivers before it flows into the ocean, it primarily benefits marine life and local

communities. Cleaner rivers lead to better public health for the community, a safer

environment more unlikely for floods, and the reduction of waterborne diseases.

Additionally, our project aligns with the United Nations SDG (Sustainable Development

Goals) conducted by all the countries aiming for a cleaner environment, and with

RIVEROLLIES calls for innovation in waste management technology.

A concrete example of where our device can be used is in urban areas with heavily

polluted rivers such as the Pasig River in Manila, Philippines. The main source of pollution

of the Pasig River is the untreated industrial waste and garbage (ecohubmap, 2025). Once

praised for its beauty, now filled with garbage since the end of World War II, with our device

we can attain its former beauty back. Local governments can set up RIVEROLLIES under

bridges or river mouths where waste most likely accumulates due to the flow of the water.

The device’s email alert system ensures maintenance by notifying personnel when the net is

almost to its full capacity, which prevents overflow. With an average capacity of 2.344 kg per

collection cycle and an email alert response time of 19.74 seconds, the device can operate

efficiently even in the most polluted areas. In a city with millions of residents, such success

of the device can benefit hundreds of thousands by improving water quality in where they

reside close to and reducing any health risks. It may take months or even years to get a

pristine state but over time, by setting up multiple units of RIVEROLLIES it could lead to

cleaner rivers and healthier ecosystems, showing the scaling impact of RIVEROLLIES, an

innovative device.
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The solution this device offers will address the improper waste disposal and its impact

on waterways and marine life. Water pollution is a growing environmental concern that

causes serious risks to the environment and human health. This device is designed to stop the

waste in rivers before it reaches the ocean which shows the device’s significance improving

preservation of aquatic life and for the sake of public health. Through preventing the

migration of pollution downstream onto the ocean, the device will also help nearby

waterways. It improves the lives of residents and helps maintain ocean habitats through the

trapping of trash at key locations. The method of not allowing waste to enter aquatic

ecosystems also guards marine animals against harm from the pollution. Lastly, it will

contribute to the local government’s pollution monitoring for the protection of aquatic life

and the public’s livelihood, ensuring cleaner water conditions.

There are disadvantages to take into consideration even if the solution has many

benefits. Financial limitations may prevent the devices from being widely approved. The cost

of setting up and at the same time maintaining the devices may be a huge problem for under-

resourced areas. The device might not be available for low-resource environments without

downgrading the quality. Additionally, there may be the risk of over-relying on technology

which might worsen the basic waste reduction efforts. The gadget might have unexpected

environmental effects, possibly interfering with local animals or water movement which

requires constant observation and modification to prevent environmental damage.

Entrepreneurship Aspect

To make the device a business, the device needs to find markets. Local governments

and municipalities responsible for keeping waterways clean would be key customers.

Environmental non-governmental organizations (NGOs), private companies dealing with

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waterfront property management, and marine conservation organizations would also benefit

from the device. The device needs to be fine-tuned and evaluated in a variety of waterways to

operate at its best. It should be customizable, with a modular design to adjust for different

environments. A mobile app or web dashboard for real-time monitoring and an optional

yearly maintenance package would add value.

Revenue could be earned through direct sales to governments, businesses, and NGOs,

offered as one-time purchases or subscriptions that include service and maintenance.

Additional revenue streams might include a subscription-based monitoring service and the

sale or lease of collected data. The devices funded through partnerships and sponsorships

with environmental organizations or government bodies would help track and monitor

pollution with the data shared as anonymous information with nearby residents.Marketing

would target pilot projects, trade shows, and an online presence through websites and social

media. Partnering with advocacy groups would increase credibility and broaden reach.

Seed funding from environmental organizations would enable product development

and deployment to be funded and scaled appropriately. Additional funding could come from

government grants related to waste management and marine conservation. As demand

increases, production could be scaled through manufacturing partnerships or regional offices

for installation and ongoing maintenance. A scalable business model would emphasize

environmental benefits and waste management efficiency to attract customers.

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References

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Chris.Peacock. ( 2023 , October 6 ). The impact of water pollution on aquatic life. Aquaread.

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Hübschmann, I. ( 2020 , August 28 ). ESP32 for IoT: A Complete Guide. Nabto.

https://www.nabto.com/guide-to-iot-esp-32/

IUCN. ( 2024 ). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN Red List of Threatened

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Kumar, P. S., & Prasannamedha, G. ( 2020 ). Biological and chemical impacts on marine

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Learn about aquatic trash | US EPA. ( 2024c , June 26 ). US EPA. https://www.epa.gov/trash-

free-waters/learn-about-aquatic-trash

Mohammed, D. ( 2016 , March 7 ). The importance of Waste Management and Recycling.

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NOAA. ( 2025 , February 25 ). Ocean Pollution and Marine Debris. Www.noaa.gov; U.S.

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https://www.noaa.gov/education/resource-collections/ocean-coasts/ocean-pollution

Ocean Pollution. ( 2022 ). Panda.org. https://wwf.panda.org/discover/oceans/ocean_pollution/

The Arduino Guide to LORA® and LPWAN Technologies | Arduino Documentation. ( n.d. ).

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