Realtime Microplastics

The Problem

Animals we know and love as key members of the marine ecosystem are facing an almost invisible threat. These marine species are under the threat of microplastics, bioaccumulating up the food chain. This problem also poses an economic threat to ocean economies, which make up 5% of the global GDP. The nature of microplastics is challenging as they are small (0.05mm - 5mm) and can prove very hard to discern from organic matter. There are three ways to tackle this problem: prevent the entry of microplastics into our waterways, detect and monitor where microplastics are distributed, and lastly the extraction and recycling of microplastics. Our project proposes to focus on the detection and monitoring of microplastics. Presently, sampling for microplastics is a manual process involving retrieval of a water sample and testing it in a lab. This process is inefficient, costly, and time consuming. If we were able to perform real-time monitoring of microplastics, it would increase our understanding and ability to make decisions regarding their mitigation in order to support marine ecosystems. To address this widespread problem, we propose developing a prototype of an intelligent sensor buoy using accessible methods that will retrieve water samples at varying depths and evaluate them with a microscopy sensor payload to report the concentration of microplastics.

Our Proposal

In order to tackle the real-time monitoring of microplastics, we are proposing to develop a prototype of an intelligent sensor buoy with a sensor payload. The sensor payload would analyze water samples collected at varying levels of depth. The microscopy sensing process would detect the microplastics using our detection code. Then the concentration for the volume of water would be reported and this data would be sent via cellular network with GPS coordinates to our server. Notifications can then be sent to persons responsible and they can see the readings on a map. To address the scale of the problem, the sensor payload would be modular in order to integrate into existing water monitoring systems. Multiple samples could be analyzed every hour. We plan to retain the inner workings of the sensor system as this is a key component for future commercialization. However, we plan to open source the information regarding structural construction and supporting electronics of the buoy as this would serve as an excellent platform for future collaborative work. Our aim to design with manufacturing replicability by FabLabs and Makerspaces in mind. We will strive to keep the costs of the prototype as low as possible. This prototype will transform the rate of information collected about microplastics thus guiding decisions and future planning activities regarding their retrieval and extraction efforts.

We Assume that...

Test duration of the prototype would be < 4 hours and max sampling depth for this prototype test will be 2.5m

Cross contamination of samples in the tubes and vials will be negligible after a cleaning rinse process

During initial prototype testing there will be cellular coverage, and GPS geo-location will be precise enough +-6 metres

For testing in water, team members will be trained on basic water safety, and we will have proper PPE available in case of waterborne viruses

The data collected from analysis will be useful for machine learning for future work

Water daily outflow would be < 240 gal/h (15.14 L/min, the average flow rate of a residential sprinkler)

Test conditions will be Beaufort force < 4 ( max 1.2m wave height with some whitecaps, max windspeed 16 knots). Outdoor temperature in between 10 to 32 deg C

Constraints to Overcome

We will need to ensure repeatability in our sensor payload results covering a large area. This includes verification of results with lab analysis, and a cleansing process to reduce cross-contamination between samples. Working on this prototype will require testing in the field and preparing it adequately for waterproofing and marine conditions. Testing at specific locations beyond the shore will require a collaborator with a boat to bring us to test sites and back. Specifications regarding power usage will help us determine the power requirements and operational duration. Critical to overcoming these constraints will be the credibility and resources that being part of the Conservation X Tech Prize brings. This will enable us to leverage additional support and reach further stages after the prototype stage to see it as an implemented solution.

Current Work

If our proposal advances, over the next 12 weeks the time will be split into 4 phases: research, development, testing + iteration, and launch. During research, we will make a system overview to specify the requirements of each aspect. We will determine the best method to perform the in-situ measurements. This payload will dictate the requirements that the buoy has to support. The development phase will involve the CAD of the buoy and fabrication. The testing & iteration phase will involve assembly of the prototype, and testing it while making changes. The documentation will be updated to the as-built specifications accordingly. The launch phase would result in a longer duration test of the system. We aim to develop a fully functional prototype and deploy it to start generating data. Starting at TRL 1 and completing around TRL 4.5 - 6. As a part of our work, we plan on providing weekly progress updates to hear input from the community and keep them in the loop of our progress.

Current Needs

We require financial support to cover the components, material, fabrication, testing, and cell data costs associated with this prototype. We are looking for an expert in microplastics to contribute 3-6 hours over 12 weeks to give advice to our project. Establishing a potential partnership with a pilot site or organization would guide the output of the data to ensure it properly provides value for them. For final longer duration testing, we would be looking to make a partnership with a testing site. For iteration testing, we would need a project partner with a boat to bring us to test sites and back, also collaborating with the testing. Assistance on the admin side regarding operations would help to ensure volunteers are all kept in the loop and things run smoothly. Luckily, we have access to lab space. Yes, we are able to make progress from the start given these unusual times and we will evaluate how the dynamic situation changes as we proceed closer to testing phase in weeks ahead.