HELSINKI, Aug. 25 (Xinhua) -- A Canadian student has won the 2026 Stockholm Junior Water Prize for developing an autonomous robot that uses artificial intelligence (AI) and magnetic technology to remove plastic from water while minimizing harm to aquatic life.
Moroti Adegboyega of Canada, selected from national winners representing more than 40 countries and regions, received the award from Sweden's Crown Princess Victoria at a ceremony on Tuesday evening in Stockholm.
Adegboyega's project, Ecoferroquatics, combines AI, robotics and a specially developed ferrofluid-based magnetic suspension to detect and collect plastic particles from water.
According to the Stockholm Water Foundation, which hosts the annual competition, the project offers an alternative to existing cleanup methods such as nets, trawlers and filters, which can be labor-intensive and may harm marine organisms.
Tests showed the system outperformed a simple sieve in collecting small particles, including microplastics that can pass through conventional screening methods.
Plastic debris can break down into smaller particles, be ingested by wildlife and carry harmful chemicals through the food chain, the foundation said.
The jury also awarded its Diploma of Excellence to Laura Ivanka of Hungary for DIVE&CLEAN, a project using specially designed underwater bins along recreational diving routes to collect plastic waste before it breaks down into microplastics.
The People's Choice Award went to Basmala Diab of Egypt, whose project uses activated carbon made from rice and corn straw to improve microbial fuel cells that treat wastewater while generating electricity.
Held annually since 1997, the Stockholm Junior Water Prize is an international competition for young people working on water-related research and innovation, with national competitions involving tens of thousands of students worldwide. ■