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NURD

NURD, the Nanoplastics Underwater Retrieval Device, was built aboard Seeker to collect suspended and negatively buoyant plastic particles below the surface. It uses hydraulic thrusters and a pair of nets which seawater is forced through. Sensors, and a long hydraulic hose and data umbilical connect NURD to Seeker.

Videos and images

Nanoplastics Sampler - Part 2 - What Is It For?
Nanoplastics Sampler Build - Part 1 - We Need Your Help
Nanoplastics Sampler Build - Day 1
Nanoplastics Sampler Build - Help Requested
Nanoplastics Sampler Donations
Nanoplastics Underwater Recovery Device - Part 5 - Adding a Flow Meter
NURD - Part 6 - Building a Custom Hose Reel
NURD - Part 7 - Reel Work and a First Test
NURD - Part 8 - More Flow and DIY Hose Reel
NURD - Part 9 - Hydraulic Reel and Food on Seeker
NURD - Part 10 - NURD Learns to Swim
NURD - Part 11 - Starting on the Nets
NURD - Part 12 - IT's ALIVE
NURD - More Flow
NURD short
Subsurface Plastics Sampler - Part 3 - Motor Plumbing
Subsurface Plastics Sampler - Part 4 - Adding a Ram
Trawl Design Idea for Sampling Nanoplastics at Depth

Lessons

  • Build What You Need If the tool doesn't exist, build it. If you can't afford it, build it. Or fine the path around it. Resourcefulness is often more valuable than resources.
  • Share What You Learn Especially your mistakes. That's where the real value is. Knowledge only becomes wisdom when it's shared.
  • The Captain Owns the Consequences Leadership isn't about authority. It's about responsibility. If you're the one making the decisions, you own the outcomes.