Systems and processes for removing pollutants from water, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and reducing aquatic ecosystem destruction

A mechanical filter system comprising:

• a main body comprising an elongated section of pipe extending from a proximal end to a distal end;
• a first water inlet at the proximal end of the pipe;
• a first water outlet at the distal end of the pipe;
• an elongated spring positioned within the pipe, the elongated spring comprising a plurality of coils and extending substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis defined by the pipe;
• a plurality of plates positioned within the pipe, wherein each plate is attached to a different one of the plurality of coils of the spring such that a major face of each plate is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pipe, each plate of the plurality of plates defining at least one hole therethrough;
• and
• a rod positioned partially within the pipe such that a proximal end of the rod is coupled to at least one of the spring and a plate of the plurality of plates, and a distal portion of the rod extends externally of the pipe from the distal end of the pipe,
• wherein the major face of each plate is configured to arrest sediment from water flowing into the pipe via the first water inlet while the holes defined by the plates enable filtered water to flow therethrough and out of the first water outlet when the first water inlet and the first water outlet are opened.