Two Durban pupils in contention for Stockholm Junior Water Prize with their AI-powered robot to combat plastic pollution

Two KwaZulu-Natal pupils, Snazo Nzama and Elihle Msomi from Adams College, have put their school and province on the map with their autonomous, AI-powered aquatic robot innovation, the AquaCrusader, which collects microplastics and nanoplastics from rivers, streams, dams and estuaries. 

Their innovation has earned them a ticket to the Stockholm Junior Water Prize, which is the highlight of World Water Week that will be staged in Sweden from August 24 to 28.

The Grade 11 pupils were selected for the trip to Sweden along with others from national competitions held worldwide. 

The AquaCrusader minimises microplastics in aquatic environments without harming aquatic ecosystems. 

Therefore, the duo’s purpose was clear: to create an innovation that can collect microplastics in freshwater sources, and minimise the effects they cause in aquatic environments, biosphere and humans. 

Snazo and Elihle said the AquaCrusader aligned strongly with the 2025 Stockholm Junior Water Prize theme, “Water for Climate Action,” by offering a practical, technology-driven solution that addresses the climate impacts of plastic pollution in aquatic environments. 

“We used STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) principles throughout the design process,” Snazo and Elihle said. 

What is the AquaCrusader? 

“We went through all the design-thinking processes, and our design comprises the exterior structure and interior structure, which has 2 chambers,” Snazo and Elihle said. 

The AquaCrusader is operated by a Raspberry Pi and Arduino UNO R4 (mini computer system); it uses ultrasonic sensors, GPS mapping, and real-time AI navigation to function without human intervention. It is also powered by solar panels, also effective underwater, and hydro energy, which offers sustainable operation. 

Its dual-chamber design separates the control system from a highly effective filtration system capable of capturing both microplastics and nanoplastics, aand ensuring minimal disruption to aquatic ecosystems.

The AquaCrusader is engineered with an eco-friendly, hydrodynamic structure and camouflaged in eco-friendly dark blue paint to blend with its environment. It is also waterproof, insulated, and durable even in harsh aquatic ecosystem conditions. 

With remote control capabilities and an emergency manual override, the device maintains stability even in strong water currents and under pressure, thanks to its integrated gyroscope.

It is also equipped with advanced filtration, GPS navigation and real-time data reporting. It offers an eco-friendly solution to restore water quality and protect public health.

The AquaCrusader is environmentally conscious and scalable, aligning with key South African environmental laws and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 3, 6, and 13. 

Also aligning with the 2025 World Environment Day theme, “Solutions to Plastic Pollution”, the AquaCrusader presents an intelligent, innovative, and eco-conscious answer to plastic pollution, one of our planet’s most urgent environmental issues.

Snazo Nzama and Elihle Msomi

Snazo, 16, is a standout pupil, popular for his academic performance and passionate about environmental sustainability. He combines academic excellence with magical curiosity. As a passionate nature lover, Snazo regularly participates in beach clean-ups to protect the environment. In 2024, he secured 3rd place in the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition, alongside academic awards from earlier years.

Elihle, 16, is dedicated and ambitious. He is known for his academic focus and sense of purpose. He has a passion for science and a natural talent for problem-solving. Elihle approaches every challenge as an opportunity to learn and grow. His vision is rooted in hope, innovation, and a belief in the power of young minds to shape the future. 

thobeka.ngema@inl.co.za