Talking Trash - Response to USC Sea Grant Report

March 29, 2012 - PRLog -- A recent study entitled “"Plastic Debris in the California Marine Ecosystem: A Summary of Current Research, Solution Efforts and Data Gaps," released by the University of Southern California Sea Grant (USC Sea Grant) shows that the marine ecosystem sees significant dangers from land-based sources of debris. The fact that the majority of the debris are from plastics is alarming. The information released in the USC Sea Grant study indicates that 60-80% of marine debris comes from land-based sources, and up to 80% of this debris is plastic.

Because of its extreme persistence and ubiquity, plastic marine debris has become the focus of most of the current scientific research and clean¬up efforts. Most often these plastics are landfilled, buried, or disposed of in the ocean. In fact, aside from plastic which has been incinerated, some scientists believe it is plausible that all the plastic ever created since its invention in the late 1940s still exists on the planet, either buried in landfills, buried on shorelines, floating in the ocean, or on the sea¬floor.

Power Ten, Inc., http://www.powerteninc.com as the exclusive distribution channel of MAGS for Terragon Environmental Technologies Inc., is working to find a solution. The solution is Micro Auto Gasification System (MAGS). MAGS is the world’s first compact solid waste treatment appliance. Terragon Enviornmental Technologies Inc. http://www.terragon.net developed the technology in collaboration with the US Navy and the Canadian Department of Defence for use in naval vessels and isolated communities. It enables individuals, groups and businesses to manage their own solid waste with zero waste discharge, whether in marine or land based applications.

In a single use, MAGS can process up to 40 kg of as-received waste (single or double-drum systems are available depending on requirements). A push of a button initiates a two-hour carefully controlled thermal treatment process. Inside, the insulated drum reaches temperatures of 750°C, destroying all organic material contained in the waste and converting it to a fuel gas called syngas. This fuel is then used as the main source of energy for MAGS.

According to USC Sea Grant, “Since its invention over 50 years ago, plastic—being durable, lightweight and cheap—has undeniably transformed numerous industries as well as the daily life of individuals. However, these very same characteristics of plastic have also made it quite a problem once it is lost into the environment. Especially in coastal states like California with a multibillion-tourism industry oriented around its world-renown beaches, the negative side of plastic becomes apparent as it accumulates on shorelines, in coastal waters, and on the seafloor. Plastic marine debris causes substantial economic impacts to coastal communities, documented in the millions of dollars spent in the form of cleanups or lost in decreases in tourism, as well as losses to commercial fisheries due to derelict fishing gear. Additionally, more than 260 species including turtles, fish, seabirds, mammals, and invertebrates have been reported to ingest or become entangled in plastic marine debris, often resulting in death.”

Through the use of MAGS, these plastic materials could be eliminated from the waste stream in a simple yet effective manner that promotes responsible stewardship of the environment.

The materials that are safely destroyed by MAGS, include:


•   plastic
•   paper
•   cardboard
•   wood
•   chemicals
•   food
•   cloth
•   oils and grease
•   biological material
•   animal waste
•   agricultural waste
•   sludge


A significant portion of the carbon in the waste is converted to char, a carbonaceous material that can either be used as soil additive or alternatively can be safely landfilled. MAGS sequesters a significant portion of carbon in the form of char, preventing the formation of substantial quantities of carbon dioxide, as compared with incineration. Another benefit is that MAGS operates cleanly without conspicuous signs such as heat, steam plumes or other emissions.

USC Sea Grant states, “Finding solutions to the issues of marine debris in a state as large as California will likely involve a multi-faceted approach.”

While Power Ten, Inc. believes the above statement to be true, we stand ready to provide one the most critical tools to combat this problem and enable an effective solution. MAGS will reduce the waste flow into our habitats by up to 95 percent and provide a solution to the alarming problem presented in the study.

About Power Ten, Inc.
Power Ten, Inc. is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) that provides professional, technical, engineering, and information technologies services to government and industry customers. Power Ten, Inc. was founded and is managed by former Marines with extensive operational and management experience who share common proven leadership and business principles – QUALITY PEOPLE, WHO DELIVER QUALITY PRODUCTS, AT A FAIR AND REASONABLE PRICE. Our people, our partners, and our customers share a bond of trust, confidence and a commitment to actionable products.

Visit http://www.powerteninc.com for more information, or join the discussion on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PowerTenInc or Twitter: @powerteninc.

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Power Ten, Inc. is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) that provides professional, technical, engineering, and information technologies services to government and industry customers.