A group of students from Heathcote High School has taken out third prize in a nationwide competition run by ANSTO.
ANTSO hosted the first ever virtual National Science Week Hackathon (August 14-18) to encourage students to solve problems and come up with ways to protect the world's oceans.
Students from years 7 to 11 were invited to discuss their ideas one-on-one via Zoom with 30 environmental and marine scientists, engineers and industry experts, including ANSTO scientists and experts from its nandin innovation centre.
The mentors then helped students test their assumptions and innovative solutions to problems.
There were 25 teams made up or 200 students from 15 schools.
Heathcote High School's team Quirky Quesadillas took out third place for their practical solution to reducing waste and toxins from getting into the ocean.
They devised a pollution control technique to turn stormwater and the like into drinkable water.
The water purifying system allowed for waste water to be reused through a process called biofiltration.
Special gardens using soil rich in water-purifying microbes could be placed throughout communities to filter runoff and waste water from houses. After being purified, the clean water could be released back into the ecosystem.
Their entry included the biofiltration system, "Eco-Warrior" cleaner bots and a community awareness campaign.
One of the judges, Dr Vanessa Pirotta, of Macquarie University's marine predator research group, said the project was "really great and well thought out".
"I loved hearing the students talk about collaboration with local community and councils - well done!" she said.
Rod Dowler from ANSTO's Discovery Centre said one of the aims of the event was to get students interested in a career in science.
"Heathcote High School really took on this challenge with purpose, with their practical and innovative solution that can be adapted by communities and businesses alike," he said.
ANSTO ran the event in partnership with the Australian Museum to celebrate National Science Week (August 15-23).
