STOCKHOLM, Aug. 22 (Xinhua) -- A U.S. student was awarded the 2023 Stockholm Junior Water Prize on Tuesday for her research on the removal of carbon dioxide and oil products from the ocean.
Naomi Park received the prize at a ceremony during the World Water Week in Stockholm, an annual global gathering focusing on water protection and development.
According to the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI), the ocean absorbs nearly a third of airborne carbon dioxide emissions, and 1.3 million gallons of crude oil are spilled into oceans every year. The SIWI said Park has developed a method to simultaneously remove these contaminants.
Speaking on winning the prize, Park said: "I did this project in my high school. I never realized that I would get to this point."
"The winner is taking a troublesome waste product and using it to help solve a number of the most pressing issues we face in the modern world. By using Styrofoam and creating a 'sponge' that absorbs both carbon dioxide and oil products from the ocean, this student built a model and tested it -- in multiple conditions, even simulating ocean waves -- with impressive results," the Stockholm Junior Water Prize jury said in a statement.
Stockholm Junior Water Prize is an international competition for students aged 15 to 20 who can present solutions to major water challenges. ■